A New Jersey restaurant has come under fire for adding a mandatory gratuity to the bills of teenage patrons.
Wayne Hills Diner and Restaurant, located in Wayne, New Jersey, says the so-called teen-tax was created as a result of teenagers coming into the restaurant in large groups “of 20 or 30 people,” staying for one or two hours, and not tipping their waitresses, according to the restaurant’s attorney. He added that refusing to tip is “not fair to the waiters and waitresses who earn a living based on tips.”
But some teenagers and parents are not pleased about the tax.
“It’s not how much she paid. It’s the simple fact she didn’t have a choice,” Melissa Desch told CBS 2 about her daughter’s recent diner bill.
The 11-year-old girl, Bella, was charged an extra $0.90 for her milkshake. The Desch family has been visiting the restaurant for years, so they were disappointed with the new tax.
“I got charged gratuity and by mother was there the same day and she didn’t,” Bella said. Her friends also were hit with the mandatory aged-based tax, which added $1.31 and $1.58 extra to their bills.
Wayne Hill diner’s also pointed out that the menu clearly states that “management reserves the right to add 18 percent gratuity.”
Melissa said she would like to see a more consistent policy — one that is not age-based.
“Make it for everybody,” she said. “Adult, children, everything.”
The diner has lost Melissa and Bella as customers over the incident. More may follow if they, too, perceive it as discrimination.
Whatever happened to tipping being optional?
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