Over half of diners in the UK find tipping etiquette “confusing and awkward” and the majority of restaurants would welcome clear legislation on where money from tips should go, according to a survey by AA Hotel and Hospitality Services.
In a survey of 19,317 restaurant-goers, 54% said they were unsure about tipping etiquette.
Over half of customers said they felt awkward about tipping because they were concerned their tips would not go to the waiting staff, while a third of customers never know how much they should tip.
Young people were the most confused about this and over half felt the most inclined not to tip at all. Uncertainties around using credit card machines to add a tip affected 75% of the over 55s, while a third of Brits overall found the process confusing.
To clear up the confusion, 81% of restaurants surveyed independently said they would welcome new legislation that requires all restaurants to share tips with waiting staff.
While almost all (96%) of UK restaurants welcome tipping, restaurants are divided on their policies regarding optional service charges with an almost even split between those excluding and including service on their customer’s bill.
Over three-quarters (73%) offer the ability to tip via credit or debit card and over half exclude service charge from their customers’ bills.
Caroline Walford, Customer Support Manager, AA Hotel and Hospitality Services, said, “Perhaps this survey points towards a lingering British embarrassment surrounding money or perhaps it’s time for more clarity for both consumers and those in the hospitality industry.
“It’s always advisable to ask whether the service charge is included on a bill at the end of a meal. If not, a standard tip tends to be 10% of the total.
“However, this amount is discretionary and if your service or dining experience has been exceptionally good or unusually disappointing the amount you leave can reflect your experience accordingly.”