New tipping law for pubs, bars, restaurants and taxis starts today

From October 1, restaurants, coffee shops, cafes and other hospitality venues will be banned from withholding tips from their staff.

A new tipping law fo bar, restaurant and other hospitality and service business begins TODAY. From October 1, restaurants, coffee shops, cafes and other hospitality venues will be banned from withholding tips from their staff.

The law will make it unlawful for businesses to hold back service charges from their employees, ensuring staff receive all of the tips they have earned. Many hospitality workers rely on tips to top up their pay and are often left powerless if businesses don’t pass on service charges from customers to their staff.

This overhaul of tipping practices is set to benefit more than 2 million UK workers across the hospitality, leisure and services sectors helping to ease cost of living pressures and give them peace of mind that they will keep their hard-earned money.

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If someone is concerned that they’re not being paid the correct wage, they should speak to their employer. If the problem is not resolved, they can contact Acas (the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) by phoning 0300 123 1122.

CEO of Tipjar, Ben Thomas said in a statement after the new law was pushed through previously: "Hospitality and service industries are part of the fabric of our culture and a cornerstone of our economy.

"We are honoured to have consulted with the Department of Business and Trade as they have developed this important Code of Practice clarifying employers’ responsibilities as they pass tips to their hard-working teams.

"As a business that exists to help employers distribute tips on the same principles of fairness and transparency, we are confident that this Act will support millions of tipped workers across the UK, and level the playing field for businesses across these sectors. We’re excited to support employers in leveraging the opportunities this will present, as we build a more fair and transparent future."