5 percent, to the bill. It is optional for the guest, and under the tips law it must reach staff in full like any other tip.
Because service charge is discretionary it is generally outside the scope of VAT, whereas a compulsory charge forms part of the price and is treated differently. Guests who ask to remove it are within their rights, and good teams treat that as feedback rather than an insult.
What we ask on the show
- Is 12.5 percent the right number, or should it go?
- How should staff react when a guest asks to remove service?
- Would you rather work somewhere with no-tipping and higher wages?