Not a lot of detail here on which to judge this story.
Some restaurants clearly state that parties of x number of people will automatically be charged whatever percentage gratuity.
Is that the case here? If so, they sat and ate a a meal with full knowledge they would be charged, and I have no sympathy for them.
If not, well, shortly they may own that restaurant.
The policy was clearly listed, 17% added to the bill for parties of five or more.
These people say they weren’t given good service. Maybe true, maybe not. Bad service is rare where I live.
Yes, the restaurant (La Fisherman) automatically charges a 17% gratuity for parties of five or more; it was clearly written on the menus at the restaurant.
The customers had a party of five.
Here's the short, non-video version.
A party of six eats at a restaurant with a clearly defined gratuity policy for parties of 5 or more. They complain of poor service (they don't say how the service was poor) and want the gratuity removed from their bill. Management refuses. They offer to pay their own tip. Management refuses. They try to leave and management locks the doors and calls the cops. The cops arrive and don't do anything. The women pay the tip and leave. News interviews BBB guy who reminds customers to educate themselves on various restaurant policies before dining.
Yes, that's the case, here. It's clearly posted on the restaurant's menu, per the video.
It is a rip off when the policy states a set gratuity is to be paid....and then the service is terrible.
“and I have no sympathy for them.”
So, someone committing a physical felony against a person has your support against someone that might have committed at best a civil violation? Nice to see your priorities are in order.