Good servers deserve tips

To the editor: I would like to comment on the issue of gratuities. In the service industry, especially in restaurants, the people who serve the public depend on tips for their salary.

There seems to be a misconception that these very hard-working people are paid well. In the restaurant industry, the base pay for a server is at best half of minimum wage, maybe $3 per hour with deductions. After deductions, there is little left.

While we all would like the owners of these establishments to pay their employees more, they simply don’t have to. I have witnessed servers get nickels or dimes or no tip at all after customers’ bills were $30 or $40 and have had good service.

These servers depend on your gratuity for their financial survival and if you can afford to go out to eat, you can certainly afford a decent tip.

A standard tip is 15 percent; however, at least somewhere between 10 to 15 percent should be a fair tip. It takes a special person to deal with the public on a day-to-day basis and they should be compensated for good service.