Can the host automatically add the tip to the bill as a service charge? In Vienna this is already happening to some extent, in Upper Austria it is a problem in gastronomy, but fortunately this new “custom” has not yet been able to establish itself.
The report “Krone” about a restaurant on Vienna’s Naschmarkt, which automatically charges a 10 percent tip in the form of a service charge, caused quite a stir. This is indicated on the map. If you’re not careful, you may end up tipping and being asked to pay twice. But it gets even worse: the chic sausage stand – with self-service – for the Albertina in Vienna is charged a four percent service charge. Operator Josef Bitzinger: “People tip less and less voluntarily. The entire amount will benefit my staff.”
“Never Lasted Long”
But what about such (im)customs in Upper Austria? Guest spokesman Thomas Mayr-Stockinger gives the signal: “Colleagues try again and again, but it never lasts long.” However, he could, at least in theory, warm to the service flat rate that is often common internationally, but at the same time warns his colleagues not to include it on the bill to show: “Once the tip is printed as a mandatory flat rate , it is subject to import duties and taxes.” The voluntary obolus, on the other hand, is tax and social security free.
It is about a “mega extra income”
According to host spokesperson Mayr-Stockinger, it is clear that the service employees are dealing with a “mega extra income”. The willingness of the compatriots to donate is still high. With one caveat: since cashless payments, i.e. payments by card, have become more common, many a miser have taken refuge behind them.
Source: Krone
I’m Ben Stock, a journalist and author at Today Times Live. I specialize in economic news and have been working in the news industry for over five years. My experience spans from local journalism to international business reporting. In my career I’ve had the opportunity to interview some of the world’s leading economists and financial experts, giving me an insight into global trends that is unique among journalists.
