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.
Then they have to pay it, attempting to leave without doing so constitutes theft, and many states allow businesses limited detainment rights against individuals believed to have engaged in theft.
My suspcion is the restaurant is well within its rights for what it did.
I agree mandatory tip on a group of 5 is a low number for it to kick in, however its policy and posted, the family could have gone elsewhere knowing this, but chose to eat there, so they have to pay it.
Then they have to pay it, attempting to leave without doing so constitutes theft, and many states allow businesses limited detainment rights against individuals believed to have engaged in theft.
My suspcion is the restaurant is well within its rights for what it did.
I agree mandatory tip on a group of 5 is a low number for it to kick in, however its policy and posted, the family could have gone elsewhere knowing this, but chose to eat there, so they have to pay it.
They should have asked for seperate checks.