Tips to bar and restaurant staff soar as card machines shame customers

Tips to bar and restaurant staff have soared in recent years amid the demise of cash, spelling disappointment for hotel chambermaids.

New research has found that customers who tip by card tend to leave significantly more than those who use cash, with diners feeling more pressured and self-conscious by waiting staff wielding card machines at their table. 

Tips have risen by 54 percent in pubs, bars and clubs since last summer, and by 13 percent in cafés and restaurants.

Although some of the increase is thought to be related to the cost of living crisis easing, a large part is said to be down to the fact that double the number of merchants are using the tipping function on card readers compared to a year ago.

In pubs and bars, the increase in tipping has been helped further by functions that prompt drinkers to leave a tip as they pay.

But while this is good news for many service workers, those in hotels or at car valeting services are seeing the opposite effect.

As fewer customers typically carry cash, tips for staff such as chambermaids are down by around a fifth compared to last summer. 

But in restaurants and bars, customers are no longer limited to tipping based on how much change they have in their pockets.

Corin Camenisch, of SumUp, the payment technology provider that conducted the study, told the Times that self-interest may also be driving the increase in tips at pubs.

She said: 'Some firms have ­reduced staff to cut costs. This means that not only are bar staff seen to be working harder and therefore more worthy of a tip, but any cunning punter keen to get served faster may be more likely to tip to keep on the good side of staff. Those who pour the pints often have the power.'

The study comes as new legislation was introduced to give workers the right to keep 100 percent of their tips.

Starting from October 1, 2024, service workers in the UK are now legally entitled keep 100 per cent of the money they've earned through tips, bringing in an extra £200 million for workers.

Under the new rules, any tips left in cash or paid by card, as well as any service charges applied by restaurants, cafes, hotels, hairdressers or taxi firms must be passed on to staff. 

But how much is the correct amount to tip? And should you still leave a gratuity if you've had mediocre service - or only when it's exceptional?

Laura Akano, Etiquette Coach and founder of Polished Manners, said that tipping is never required in the UK, but it is a 'nice thing to do'.

However, if you're eating in a restaurant, it's extremely likely that a service charge will be added, and she advises factoring this into your budget for your outing, rather than the awkwardness of haggling with staff for it to be removed. 

Here, Femail reveals how much to tip when at the hairdresser, cafe or restaurant - as well as how and when to make an exception. 

Restaurants and cafes: 10 - 15 per cent

Many restaurants in the UK, especially in London and other big cities, now include a service charge in the bill - usually of 12.5 per cent.

If this hasn't been automatically added, according to etiquette experts Debrett's, the minimum you should offer is 10 per cent. 

'Many restaurants include service, in which case a tip is not necessary other than for exceptional service,' the guide says.

'It is traditional to leave 10 per cent, but up to 15 per cent is now commonplace for good service.' 

Laura Akano, Etiquette Coach and founder of Polished Manners, told Femail: 'What I've observed is that a lot of restaurants will add 12.5 to 15 per cent automatically.

'Based on that, from an etiquette point of view, I wouldn't leave an additional tip, unless you're feeling generous or you had exceptional service.

'But there is no obligation, in England it's not mandatory - anywhere you go. It's okay to take off the service charge.  

'While it's not mandatory, I would say that if you can't afford a tip, consider not going  out'.

Jane Pendlebury, CEO of HOSPA, The Hospitality Professionals Association told FEMAIL: 'While there are no hard and fast rules to tipping, there are some general guidelines that can help. 

'In restaurants, a service charge of around 10 to 15 per cent is often added to the bill. 

'If it's included, there's no need to tip on top unless the service was exceptional. However, if no service charge is added, it's customary to tip a similar amount.'

People often wonder if it's acceptable to ask for 'optional' service charge to be removed from a bill, seeing as it's supposedly the customers choice. 

Experts are clear that service charge is to be expected and that, really, it's described as optional to give unsatisfied customers the chance to make a legitimate complaint.  

Etiqutte expert William Hanson explained that taking issue with being charged more is not a valid reason to quibble with the bill.

'While you may object to paying more for your meal or coffee order, you can only opt not to leave any gratuity if there is a valid justification for a problem with what you have been served or experienced,' he said.

'Good manners means you should be prepared to speak to a manager to explain why you are choosing to withhold the service charge. Keep it factual and remove as much emotion as possible when doing this.'

Bars: Round up or £1 to £2

Anyone who has visited the US will be aware that you must tip the bartender for serving your drink, or risk a very long wait for your next round while they serve everyone around you. 

However, the same practice has not extended to the UK. 

Jane Pendlebury of HOSPA said: 'In bars, tipping isn't as common for drinks orders alone. 

'But if there's table service or the bartender has gone above and beyond, a small tip or rounding up the bill is appreciated.'

Cafes: Round up the bill or leave a few pounds 

'When it comes to cafes and casual dining, it's perfectly acceptable to leave a small amount, say £1 to £2 or round up to the nearest pound, because these establishments may not always add a service charge,' Jane added.

'Tipping higher for exceptional service is always appreciated, and conversely, if service was lacking, reducing the tip or not leaving one at all sends a message, though it's often best to give feedback directly. 

'Whether you tip by cash or card makes little difference these days, though many in the industry appreciate cash tips as, traditionally, they'd go directly to the staff. 

'The new legislation though will negate the need to factor that in – with 100 per cent of tips now going to staff.

'In terms of location, tipping in larger cities like London might be slightly higher due to the higher costs of living and dining, but the percentage range remains largely the same. 

'Also, in London hotels it's not unusual to see a percentage added to the whole stay – mainly accommodation. Typically, this is 5 per cent but it's sometimes higher.'

Taxis: Round up or keep the change

'If you're paying with cash - might say keep the change or round up to the nearest pound,' says Laura Akano. 

Ride hailing apps offer the option to tip the driver, making it easy to add an extra pound at the end of your journey. 

Food delivery services:  10 per cent

Thanks to the rise of apps such as Deliveroo and JustEat, people are having restaurant food brought to their door regularly.

And that means that the same etiquette applies to tipping. 

Even if you're eating on your sofa, rather than a restaurant, the etiquette is to tip the driver who brought your food on a bike in the same way as you would a waiter.

'With food delivery, it's recommend to give about 10 per cent, depending on what your bill is,' Laura said. 

'Some food delivery apps give you the option to tip in the app. But I would never tip before you've had the service.'

Parcel delivery Services: Entirely discretionary

Laura explained that tipping parcel delivery services isn't necessary.

Many of us are familiar with packages being left in safe places or with a neighbour while we're not at home, and so a tipping culture hasn't developed.  

'With delivery drivers, you will often not seem them in person, so it's entirely up to you,' she said.

Even if you do sign for a package, there's no tradition of handing over a few quid at the door. 

So although it may seem a little unfair, there's no need to tip the person who brings your next ASOS or Amazon order, unless you feel it's particularly deserved.

Hairdressers, nail salons and beauty services: 10 per cent

While people fully expect a service charge in restaurants, tipping for beauty services is a matter of debate. 

Some people wouldn't dream of leaving the salon without giving their manicurist or hairdresser a gratuity, but others don't feel it's necessary. 

On the basis that it is quite a common practice, experts suggest leaving a tip of 10 per cent of the cost of the service, but only if you're happy with the outcome. 

Cloakrooms and valets: Leave a coin

With fewer people carrying cash, people manning cloakrooms, bathroom attendants and valets often miss out. 

However, if you want to follow the proper etiquette, it's wise to carry change if you're going on a night out.

Debrett's say: 'Try to have a coin for cloakroom attendants, valets etc.'