How (Not) To Tip

By GENE HOWINGTON

Tipping is a common practice in the restaurant and bar industries in America.  Many people have different philosophies about the practice ranging from the very stingy practice of nothing at all espoused by Steve Bucemi’s character Mr. Pink in Reservoir Dogs to the 10-20% most people consider standard to non-standard fare like lottery tickets. But can your generosity to your server go too far? How much is too much? Can it get you in trouble? What if you tip your waitress with an envelope of methamphetamine?

Some gratuities are gratuitous in a bad way . . .

Ryan L. Bensen

Ryan L. Bensen

Erica A. Manley

Erica A. Manley

Tipped with meth is what happened at the ironically named “The Twisted Fish Steakhouse” in Seaside, Oregon. Ryan L. Bensen, 40, of Beaverton, and Erica A. Manley, 37, of Cascade Locks, had a few drinks at the restaurant’s “full service lounge”. They paid their bill and included by way of tip an envelope full of methamphetamine. The waitress called the police who later tracked Benson and Manley back to their motel. Manley was found to have a large quantity of the drug in her purse and a search of their room and vehicle found evidence of production with intent to deliver. Both were arrested, Bensen charged with possession and manufacture of methamphetamine, Manley charged with possession, manufacture and delivery of methamphetamine.

What would Mr. Pink think? Too much? Too little? Too wrong?

What do you think?

Source: www.dailyastorian.com

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About Gene Howington

I write and do other stuff.
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8 Responses to How (Not) To Tip

  1. Walter White's avatar Walter White says:

    I think that is an appropriate way to tip. It is a form of currency. Jesse bought gas for the RV once.

  2. Tony C.'s avatar Tony C. says:

    Growing up in bars and restaurants; I now tip 20%, rounded up to the next dollar.

    My father was a bartender, one of his best friends told a story about my dad. A patron at the bar ordered a drink, got his change and pushed a quarter toward my dad as a tip; saying, “That’s for you.” My dad pushed it back, saying, “You must need this more than I do.”

    I once told my mother (a lifelong waitress) that my first boss (post military) had instructed me on tipping during travel; he said 10% to people you are never going to see again, 15% or 20% if you want them to pay attention to you. She thought about that and said, “I don’t think you should work for this man.” Turns out, she was right.

  3. Blind Faithiness's avatar Blind Faithiness says:

    Here’s another tipping story that some may have read about. It’s the “I give God 10%, why should you get 18” (written by a supposed pastor, too) and the subsequent firing of the employee that posted the note/bill.
    http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2013/01/31/i-give-god-10-tip-story-takes-intersting-twister-pastor-revealed-and-the-waitress-has-been-fired/

    I’m guessing that it’s still not cool for christians to tithe with meth? Except maybe at Ted Haggard’s church! Zing!

    Sorry, just being silly. 😉

    My thoughts went to the same place as WW’s post above when J. Pinkman paid for gas with the ‘blue’.

  4. Mike Spindell's avatar Mike Spindell says:

    “What would Mr. Pink think? Too much? Too little? Too wrong?”

    Mr. Pink would think it was stupid because it was a waste of good meth that could have turned a profit.

    As for me my base tip is 20%, which can rise due to the ability of the server. I worked my way through college delivering liquor and tips were the biggest part of my income. I’ve haven’t forgotten peoples thoughtfulness, nor the really lousy tippers. One very rich man used to have me take his usual two cases of mixed booze down to his basement bar and then stock the bar to his liking. A cases of liquor is heavy and carrying two is very heavy. Then too stocking a bar takes time. He would then tip me a quarter for my service. His name I still remember after all these years was Mr. Knight and you can imagine the “pleasantness” of my memory.

  5. Blouise's avatar Blouise says:

    I’m with Mike on the too stupid.
    20% is my norm … unless I’m inebriated … then I have no idea how much I left on the table.

  6. Gene H.'s avatar Gene H. says:

    I usually tip with 20% as the baseline. If it’s really good service, more. If it’s bad service or partially self-service, I tip less. If it’s terrible service, I’ll leave a quarter.

  7. Slartibartfast's avatar Slartibartfast says:

    After living in Manhattan for a while, I found myself much more willing to vary my tip based on the quality of the service, but I can’t think what sort of service would merit leaving a tip of meth…

  8. pete's avatar pete says:

    i generally put a dollar in their garter, ten if i want her to come over to the table after her dance.

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