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Is everyone on FR wealthy or just consumed with an attitude of noblese oblige? I tip because I have to, but it doesn’t mean I approve. Most people work hard in their jobs without tips, and still strive to do their best.

Tipping is out of control. Everyone now has their hand out. Don’t people realize that bartenders make very good money for what is demanded from them? Do they go to college? Did they study and learn the job for years? No, all it takes is effort and a pleasant personality. Consider how much a bartender makes in a night if he gets a dollar for every $3 beer. Not only is that better than 30%, it’s for half-a-minute of work! The result is that by the end of the night he has earned a lot more than many of his customers -tax free.

It used to be that the service industry was for those who lacked opportunities and were uneducated. In this topsy-turvy world of today, 21 year old service people often have more money than white collar workers with years of experience. Oh, and they are usually the first to appear at the emergency room with no insurance. We poor customers not only have to tip generously, but then subsidize their healthcare because THEY are too cheap and irresponsible to care for themselves!

One final rant: even the owners now expect to get in on the gravy. It used to be considered gauche to tip the owner. After all, the owner earns money on every purchase due to the markup.

I have always found that people who say "waiters and bartenders make very good money", have never worked as a waiter or bartender. Maybe they heard some bartender brag that he brought home $200-300-400 one night and people think that happens all the time.

Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe there are waiters, waitresses, bartenders and such out there living in mansions, driving BMWs and taking exotic vacations. I doubt it.

More than likely though, people who don't want to tip are just selfish.

Did they study and learn the job for years? No, all it takes is effort and a pleasant personality.

The best bartenders have been learning for years. You don't learn (among other things) how to mix dozens of drinks through osmosis.

Plus, they have to deal with numerous drunk-ass idiots every night. The reason I'll (hopefully) never bartend again.

Good bartenders earn their money a whole lot more than office jockeys who spend their workdays typing away on Free Republic.