“That was my first introduction to socialism.”
LOL! I was going to say the exact same thing. If “sharing” tips isn’t socialism, I don’t know what is. Great waitresses get good tips and then have to give away some to the slackers.
Pretty common for bartenders and wait staff to give part of their tips to kitchen staff, barbacks, etc. Having a well stocked bar and food coming out of the kitchen on time is a big reason customers leave a good tip.