This was one of the least interesting articles I've ever read, maybe only not worse than "'This could only exist in America': What are foreign football fans finding in the US?" [0], linked from it.

In any case, some bits are just absolutely mind blowing:

> Frustrations have also been shared by hospitality staff, with one bar owner telling the BBC that many World Cup tourists have been bad tippers.

> But they are notoriously bad tippers, if they tip at all, owner Chris Keller told the BBC.

> Keller said he's changed the system so customers with reservations have to pre-pay for drinks, including a service charge. "It's just to protect our staff," he said.

> "If they don't receive any tips, it's impossible to survive in the service industry," Thurnher said.

All of these are quotes from business owners. They are all saying: "we don't pay our staff living wages, so we expect customers to pay out of pocket, on top of the ticket price".

So it begs the question. If this is expected and necessary in order for the servers to subsist, why is it not already included on the price? Be honest to your customers and give them the full price.

I can see 2 possible explanations. That's not to say either or both must be right, or that there aren't others, but that's what comes to mind:

* It's a tax dodge scheme: tips are not declared to the taxman, so a substantial part of what people consume only exists informally.

* Hook prices: by showing a lower price than the actual cost, it makes it more likely that customers will be willing to buy. I believe this is the same reason they don't usually include VAT on prices of goods.

If I'm right, everything is about deception. They deceive the Government, they deceive their customers and the business owners deceive their staff.

Sounds like a healthy society!

[0] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvgj731r38xo

Tipping was a pain while travelling in the USA. The main cost was charged to card on purchase straight away but tips would come out later. Made splitting charges between two people a right pain.

I don’t mind tipping for good service but not when someone did the bare minimum with a face like a slapped arse the whole time

Just pay and leave, you're not required to tip most places. It is just way to thank good service.

Many Americans would agree. Tipping needs to go, it's proliferation has made dining out, among others, awkward, expensive, and ultimately dissuasive.

Frequent places that pay people responsibly and eschew tipping.

I hate it too. On my last trip I had to tip baristas 20% for standing behind the counter and taking my order.

I generously tip when someone does a great job, but do I really have to for doing the bare minimum?

Very frustrating as I know it hurts the staff.

I am too