>>> The automatic 15% gratuity on all meals that were not included was ludicrous as well. <<
>
>This is standard in Miami Beach, due to the huge number of Europeans who come and expect it.
What if the service is poor? Personally I thought it to be deceptive trade practice by calling it a service charge instead of a tip. I wonder how many mistakenly leave tips as well not realizing that the service charge went to the wait staff instead of the establishment. Getting ripped off by poor service still sucks whether you expect it or not. The incentive to provide excellent service is gone when you know you are automatically getting 15% regardless of performance.
Mark McCasland
Midlothian, TX USA