4% Surcharge to support Minimum Wage & other mandated increases!
By Michelle
@infatuatedbby (94909)
United States
January 22, 2017 2:12am CST
I heard some restaurants "secretly" adding surcharge fees to your bill to support the new minimum wage. These restaurants didn't have any signs or an indication that you will be charged, so you will only find out if you do the calculations. Many people were warning others to beware.
I have yet found a restaurant that I dine at to do this, until today but the restaurant noted on the menu there will be a 4% surcharge to support minimum wage and other mandated increases. The 4% surchargeto the bill plus you're expected to tip the usual 10-20%.
To be completely honest, my boyfriend and I don't ask much of the servers. I guess we should as we're paying an extra 4% now!
When it comes to ordering food - I may have a complex order as I like to substitute and opt some items, but when we have our food - we're settled and prefer not to be bothered. We always ask for our extra napkins in advance and since I don't order soda anymore (rarely), we don't even get water since we prefer our own which means no refills! After eating, we gather the plates/dishes for easy clean up. Pretty much, if we could - we'd go grab the food and deliver it to our tables to eat but we want the restaurant quality food.
Biggest peeve, when we are in the middle of eating and they pop in to ask how we're doing with food in our mouth..
Is your area adding surcharge to your bill? Are you a simple diner? Do you utilize your server?
PS - Sorry, I have not been on myLot lately. I haven't really been in the myLot mood. I am slowly catching up!
12 people like this
18 responses
@infatuatedbby (94909)
• United States
22 Jan 17
How much generally would that be? Or does it depend on the place. I bet the service there is superb 
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (94909)
• United States
24 Jan 17
@LadyDuck I see and the foods are more pricer usually there too? =)
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (502148)
• Italy
23 Jan 17
@infatuatedbby It depends by the category of the restaurant, it's usually about $1 per person. The service is better here in Switzerland than in Italy.
1 person likes this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104615)
• United States
22 Jan 17
I am not sure if the restaurants here do or not.
However, I have to say that I also don't like place that are constantly bothersome during a meal. I went to a restaurant last night to dine and the waiter was a bit more bothersome then I would have preferred. However, I do think he was just eager and new, so I gave him the benefit of the doubt.
Speaking of the waiter though? I am not even sure if he was 16 (how old you have to be here to work, though I do think you can also work at 15!). He seemed really young and I was a bit concerned but I didn't bother trying to voice my concern either. I figure it's not my place to do so.
I also gather all of my plates together and try to make the plate as cleanly as possible. I know I wouldn't want to have to put my hands on someone's dirty napkin or in a bit of some sort of condiment!
There is a place we go to eat breakfast and the waitress is always right on point. She's quick and efficient. Brings what we want without asking and always seems to know just when to refill our drinks.
2 people like this
@infatuatedbby (94909)
• United States
22 Jan 17
I know they charge a surcharge if you have a large party, usually 15%, but I never heard about surcharges for dining at the restaurant. I wonder if take out is still charged as well.
I think the minimum age is 15 or 16, but you need a workers permit. The workers permit you will get it from your high school. I was working as a hostess part time one summer in high school - hated it and quit. But, I had to get my counsel to sign off acknowledging my grades are good, and I'm a verified US citizen, and there was a list.. like max hours I could work if school was in session. And, if grades are slipping I wouldn't be able to work.
Now the procedure, I'm unsure.
If the guy is a little more bothersome than the usual, he may still be new.
I like those who are on point - know when to refill when you put the glass toward the edge (when I used to order drinks or do but often not anymore). And just have common sense. I always dislike servers when they're no where to be found and you have to flag them down. Although I don't want them to stop by they should slow down when they walk by just encase I need to ask them something - usually the check!
2 people like this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104615)
• United States
22 Jan 17
@infatuatedbby When I was a senior in high school, I started working for a restaurant. I don't remember having to get anything from school, we went downtown for the worker's permit.
I was also 17. I didn't turn 18 until the summer, and I had already graduated by then.
Different States I guess.
It's been years since we've sat a big party down to dine at a restaurant, so I wasn't aware of the party surcharge either.
Oh! I hate when I'm done and have to wait for the check! I prefer the waitstaff who leaves the check ASAP and then says "But I'll be back to check on your periodically."
2 people like this
@owlwings (43897)
• Cambridge, England
22 Jan 17
This sounds iniquitous to me. The way that restaurants (and other places) do it here is to simply increase the prices. It comes to much the same thing, of course, but the cost of a meal is clear to anyone and, to be honest, a 4% increase in prices isn't very noticable when it's done like that.
The other thing which seems to be customary in much of the US which we don't have over here is the 'obligatory' tip. Here, the expectation is that restaurant and bar workers are paid a reasonable wage and are not expected to rely on tips. I do sometimes leave a tip, of course, if I feel that the service was exceptionally good. Nobody ever tips bar staff here, however, though they may occasionally offer to buy them a drink (which is often refused, of course, since most people don't drink on duty, and the cost of the drink is usually then expected to be laid aside).
2 people like this
@infatuatedbby (94909)
• United States
22 Jan 17
Yes you're right the 4% fee isn't much and barely noticeable, but many were warning others because it was secretly added!
I'm fine with seeing the charge in advance then I wouldn't feel ripped off as it'll be a known charge.
Though I'd prefer to see the .50 cents or $1 raise on the menu than the wording of 4% surcharge to support the employees rates.
& For instance, a regular meal would be say
Meal for 2 = $50
Tax 8% = $4
Surcharge 4% = $2
Tip 15% = $7.50
= $63.50
Depending on the restaurants some spilt the tips, some keep it to themselves but even so - they're being paid a certain amount per hour, TO WORK, the tips are extra!
For those who get to keep the tip 100% are getting paid pretty well given they have to be paid at least the minimum wage and each server is getting a decent amount of tables! Back in high school, I worked at a restaurant and the servers got tips, I was the hostess and got nothing! So I guess they need the 4% surcharge to help pay the cooks who are doing the main meat of the restaurant.
From my friends who've worked in the bar, they said they make great money in tips! Sometimes even more than their pay rate depending on the night and occasion.
3 people like this
@owlwings (43897)
• Cambridge, England
22 Jan 17
@infatuatedbby We don't have a 'state tax' here but we do have what is called 'Value Added Tax'. This is a tax on the sale of most goods - among the exceptions are books, children's clothes, groceries and restaurant meals eaten on the premises. Take-out food is liable to VAT and the prices are often quoted separately if the restuarant does take-out as well as eat-in. These days, VAT is almost never quoted separately or added on but is included in the price shown though the VAT element is usually shown on the bill and some people are able to claim it back or can show it in their business accounts.
VAT is, I believe, 5% on food but 20% on 'luxury' items, which is rearly everything else.
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (94909)
• United States
22 Jan 17
@owlwings If I go shopping for clothes (not children) I would be VAT 20% value?
@shaggin (74988)
• United States
25 Jan 17
I have not heard of this until now. I am sure there will be places that are shady. I think if they add a 4% tip I will take take out of the tip that I leave them. The businesses should just raise their prices instead of adding an extra percentage. I rarely go out to eat but hopefully I remember this the next time I do. Hopefully the note on the menu is large enough to let people know about this. I hate when there is very small print that is easily looked over which is what they do on purpose to hide things and then say oh no you were aware of it by pointing out that it was on the menu.
1 person likes this
@shaggin (74988)
• United States
25 Jan 17
@infatuatedbby Wow if they are already paid minimum wage I would not even leave a tip. Any girl I know who is a waitress makes more a night from tips then my husband ever made from minimum wage. Writing down what someone wants and bringing their food and drinks from the kitchen then clearing it away and wiping the table really isn't that hard.
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (94909)
• United States
25 Jan 17
I live in one of the 7 states where a tipped employee is paid minimum wage already plus tips is extra. So, an extra 4% should not even be applied! It's ridiculous and greedy!
I hate it when there are small surcharges, fees that are hidden too!
1 person likes this
@sunrisefan (28524)
• Philippines
25 Jan 17
@infatuatedbby Maybe it would be good not to impose legislated charges but give the opportunity to the customer to give a tip out of the generosity of his heart and, at the same time, allow the employee to do the extra mile to please the customer. Agree?
2 people like this
@kevin1877uk (36987)
•
1 Feb 17
It's different over here to the USA and how it all works there.
1 person likes this
@kevin1877uk (36987)
•
1 Feb 17
@infatuatedbby It totally up to you if you leave a tip here if you are dining out, I seem to remember it was something like 10% of your bill there
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (94909)
• United States
1 Feb 17
@kevin1877uk Here its at least 10%
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (128824)
• Gainesville, Florida
22 Jan 17
First, I am glad to see you back active on myLot! I missed you (although I have been in the same mood--or lack of mood--as you lately).
Our minimum wage is still pretty low here in Florida (although Florida's minimum wage is higher than the federal minimum wage), so I have not seen any restaurants adding an additional charge onto the bill. I have, however, seen additional charges added on to the bill to cover increased health care costs when Obamacare was first implemented.
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (94909)
• United States
22 Jan 17
You have noticed my MIA status. I am doing fine, just blah for myLot lately. I come across this mood sometimes - slowly gearing back. I hope you're doing well too!
I did not see restaurants adding charges when Obamacare was first implemented here.
I forgot it varies from state to state. Minimum wage here is $10 a hour if the place has less than 25 employees and $10.50 if the place has 25 or more employees.
It's crazy how some states are low and depend on the tip thats understandable but I guess I'm talking more for California. Next in lead with minimum wage is $11 at Massachusetts.
Of course minimum wage....I'd hope its a temporary job only because it'd be hard to live off that kind if income.
I am doing fine, just blah for myLot lately. I come across this mood sometimes - slowly gearing back. I hope you're doing well too!
I did not see restaurants adding charges when Obamacare was first implemented here.
I forgot it varies from state to state. Minimum wage here is $10 a hour if the place has less than 25 employees and $10.50 if the place has 25 or more employees.
It's crazy how some states are low and depend on the tip thats understandable but I guess I'm talking more for California. Next in lead with minimum wage is $11 at Massachusetts.
Of course minimum wage....I'd hope its a temporary job only because it'd be hard to live off that kind if income.US Department of Labor: The Wage and Hour mission is to promote and achieve compliance with labor standards to protect and enhance the welfare of the Nation's workforce.
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (94909)
• United States
22 Jan 17
@moffittjc
Yes, I see many people complain about minimum wage being low - but that's not a career. It's temporary and worse case scenario enough to hopefully get by only. But most definitely not something you want to be doing for the rest of your life, or well I sure wouldn't be happy in that field.
In other states, where tip is needed to pay their hourly rate I can understand that but in CA, you're getting tips as an EXTRA to doing your job!
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (128824)
• Gainesville, Florida
22 Jan 17
@infatuatedbby I think we have lost sight of the fact that minimum wage jobs were never meant to be career jobs for people to have to support their families. The minimum wage jobs are those jobs that high school and college kids get to help earn a little pocket money, and also to help them gain some work experience. I feel bad for people who work in a minimum wage job that is considered their "career."
Minimum wage in Florida is $8.10/hour, much below California. But then again, our cost of living is much lower as well.
1 person likes this
@katsmeow1213 (28716)
• United States
22 Jan 17
We haven't had a minimum wage increase yet. We don't dine out often as we don't really have the funds for it most of the time. Many servers aren't even worth the 20% tip they get..
1 person likes this
@katsmeow1213 (28716)
• United States
23 Jan 17
@infatuatedbby Is that only for servers? Ours is about $9 right now with servers making much less as they're supposed to claim their tips.
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (94909)
• United States
24 Jan 17
@katsmeow1213 Every single person working in the state of California has to make $10.00 or $10.50. Tips is extra. I've had friends make more in tips than how much they earned in a day.
For instance they work a rate of $10.50 a hour, 5 hour shift = $52.50 (but in tips, get to personally pocket is more than that!)
@infatuatedbby (94909)
• United States
23 Jan 17
Here in California minimum wage is $10-$10.50 + tips. Other states varies.
@infatuatedbby (94909)
• United States
23 Jan 17
Now I prefer to take it out & eat at home too!
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (94909)
• United States
23 Jan 17
@Madshadi Haha true! =) Luckily I never have to be the one driving on a full stomach!
1 person likes this
@Madshadi (8840)
• Brussels, Belgium
23 Jan 17
@infatuatedbby its quiet, you get more privacy and and don't need to drive with a full stomach afterwards lol
1 person likes this
@DWDavis (25797)
• United States
23 Jan 17
From the way you write about food service personnel, one gets the impression that you've never worked in the industry. If you had, you might have a more sympathetic view for what those folks have to put up with. Most customers are not as low maintenance as you are.
Restaurants around this area have not begun adding a surcharge for an increase in the minimum wage as our state has not raised its minimum wage, nor has the federal government. What increases there have been were done by city councils or state legislatures.
Restaurants, like any other business, will pass along increases in costs to their customers. If they don't, they won't be able to stay in business. Restaurants operate on very thin profit margins.
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (94909)
• United States
23 Jan 17
I should have mentioned this is my thoughts for California/living in California, a state where employers are to pay the state minimum wage before tips. The state minimum wage here is $10.00-$10.50 which is higher than most states. In San Fransisco, the minimum wage is $13.
I worked as a hostess/cashier over a decade ago, during the summer for fun. I went in the job knowing I get paid the minimum wage, no tips even though I collected 'tip' for the server to help out when it was busy.
Basically California has a law where tip left for the employee, goes directly to the employee. The employer cannot use the tip toward the minimum wage. Depending where one works at - tips can be directly to the employee or in a pool divided evenly among those who worked during that particular shift.
I have friends who worked in jobs during College that tipped well and on good nights they can make more money in tips than the hourly pay itself. Jobs like: bartending & valet parking.
Of course, for states being paid not even minimum wage and get tips to make ends meet ~ yes I am all for that!
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (94909)
• United States
23 Jan 17
@DWDavis I apologize for not throwing it out in the post. I used to have California shown beside my username but I don't know where that went.
1 person likes this
@DWDavis (25797)
• United States
23 Jan 17
@infatuatedbby Had I realized you were in California, one of the few states where tipped employees get treated fairly when it comes to the minimum wage, I would have realized why you felt a large tip was not appropriate. I apologize if my comment came off as preachy. Here in NC, part of HB2, otherwise known as the Bathroom Bill or the Potty Bill, also prohibited cities from setting a minimum wage higher than the state, which is the same as the Federal.
1 person likes this
@AbbyGreenhill (45490)
• United States
22 Jan 17
We do the 'clean up' things too, not sure why but we started that years ago. I am extgremely fussy as you know so I totally rip their menu apart adding or subtracting items from an entree.
What gets me is not the timing of their question but the question itself. It used to be, "How is everything?" Now it is ore often than not, "How does everything taste?" I think that's a very odd question. I am often tempted to say, "It tastes awful that's why I'm eating it!"
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (94909)
• United States
23 Jan 17
I am the most complex when it comes to substitution! My boyfriend on the other hand is simple. He just reads the menu and he's set! Me, I want this, not this, can I get this, that .. instead of so/so. Lol =)
Hmm, true!
I get the "how's the food". I barely took a bite. 
@infatuatedbby (94909)
• United States
23 Jan 17
@AbbyGreenhill and they ask just for the heck of it! They don't truly mean it though!
@AbbyGreenhill (45490)
• United States
23 Jan 17
@infatuatedbby They should ask, "How is everything?" not "How does it taste?"... Everything I guess is too much of an open ended question and some might actually tell them everything is awful!
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (94909)
• United States
23 Jan 17
My usual is 15%
If service isn't that great 10% and if its good 18%
@Morleyhunt (21741)
• Canada
22 Jan 17
Minimum wage should be the same no matter what what your occupation is....food service workers in particular. Tipping should be for excellent service. Let's face it some servers are not always deserving of a tip.
Next, customers should put their cell phones say...when you are seats, take the time to go over the menu, select and order your food. When it arrives...be prepared to eat it.
Hidden charges always annoy me. I like to know, up front.....what the expense will be.
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (94909)
• United States
22 Jan 17
@Morleyhunt
I just visited this website, (Minimum Wages for Tipped Employees)
In California - it is $10 a hour if the place has less than 25 employees and if more than 25 employees they have to pay $10.50.
There are some states where the rate is much lower or, combined tip + wages is lower - but ultimately it balances out. For instances the living cost in that state is much cheaper so of course the wages won't be exactly the same.
Some may say $10.50 is a lot in where Wyoming's combined is $5.15 a hour, so they depend on tips.
Ultimately, of course minimum wage won't get many very far and hopefully is temporary.
US Department of Labor: The Wage and Hour mission is to promote and achieve compliance with labor standards to protect and enhance the welfare of the Nation's workforce.
@Morleyhunt (21741)
• Canada
22 Jan 17
@infatuatedbby the minimum wage for food service workers is less than the minimum wage for general labour. They go by the assumption (wrongly) that tips will make up the difference. Tips should be voluntary, not mandatory. A generous tip for excellent service....no tip for poor service.
Seriously...the waitress who forgot us.....finally took our order.....incorrect when it arrived, but they were already gone....had to search for them to correct their mistake.....no refills on the water or the coffee....had to find the serve to get our bill....no, not leaving a tip.
1 person likes this
@teamfreak16 (43567)
• Denver, Colorado
22 Jan 17
I really don't pay much attention to that sort of stuff. For all I know, they've been doing this to me for years.
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (94909)
• United States
23 Jan 17
They have some fees at local places where if you don't spend X amount before charging your credit card there can be a fee!
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (94909)
• United States
23 Jan 17
@teamfreak16 Yeah 
I don't know about where you live but some stores , small mom / pops , even gas stations sometimes have a fee for using debit, or credit. Or if you charge under a minimum price they will take a fee usually like 50 cents or a 1 depending!
I don't know about where you live but some stores , small mom / pops , even gas stations sometimes have a fee for using debit, or credit. Or if you charge under a minimum price they will take a fee usually like 50 cents or a 1 depending!1 person likes this
@teamfreak16 (43567)
• Denver, Colorado
23 Jan 17
@infatuatedbby - Huh. I had no idea.
1 person likes this
@amandajay (23262)
• New Zealand
22 Jan 17
I dont have this exoerience in restaurents... But in some places here, when we paying the bill using credit card they add 3% surchage and also for fuel
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (94909)
• United States
23 Jan 17
I have seen some charges at gas pumps if you use credit -or- like minimum to use your card has to be over a certain amount or a fee will apply.
1 person likes this
@amandajay (23262)
• New Zealand
23 Jan 17
@infatuatedbby oh i see.. Same here. But there is no minimum amount, still they charge for any amount for fuel
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (94909)
• United States
23 Jan 17
@amandajay oh darn what if you pay cash? no fee?
1 person likes this
@Hate2Iron (15724)
• Canada
22 Jan 17
That is really annoying that they can do something like this. Isn't minimum wage low enough as it is? People can't live on it as it is!!
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (94909)
• United States
22 Jan 17
Looks like California has a higher minimum wage compared to other states, we are at $10.50 but the cost of living is expensive here.
@infatuatedbby (94909)
• United States
23 Jan 17
I don't either, boyfriend usually pays for it. But the news (well Facebook) news had a line beware! I just saw on the menu smack in the center of the surcharge
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (94909)
• United States
22 Jan 17
Is tipping common in the Philippines?
1 person likes this
@JustBhem (70555)
• Davao, Philippines
23 Jan 17
@infatuatedbby
Hmm. I'm not sure. Because I haven't tried it. Lol.
@infatuatedbby (94909)
• United States
23 Jan 17
@JustBhem Oh I see =) that is fine too!
1 person likes this
@reskyyandi (3608)
• Indonesia
22 Jan 17
I am not like to eat at restaurant. It makes me uncomfortable
1 person likes this
