Fairhaven Dunkin Faces Staff Shortage After Tip Banning Policy

It looks like the decision to ban tipping at some SouthCoast Dunkin' locations may have come with some unintended consequences. The location in Fairhaven closed earlier than normal on Wednesday afternoon because of a shortage of staff.

Fun 107 visited the store before 3 p.m. and found a line of cars stretched around the drive-thru. However, no one was inside the Dunkin' to wait on the unknowing customers.

One woman pulled in and asked if they were closed. When we confirmed they were closed for the rest of the day, the woman wondered if the workers had walked off the job on strike because of the new no tipping policy that was implemented this week.

However, according to the sign, Dunkin' is expecting business as usual on Thursday, meaning it would be open in the afternoon.

READ MORE: Some SouthCoast Dunkin' Locations Are Saying No to Tipping

What Did the Sign on the Fairhaven Dunkin' Say?

A sign on the entrance to the Fairhaven Dunkin' read, "Thank you for visiting us. Unfortunately, due to a shortage of staff we are closed for the remainder of the day. We apologize for any inconvenience and will open tomorrow for normal business hours."

How Are Customers and Staff Reacting to the No Tipping Rule?

Not surprisingly, the decision to end tipping at some of the SouthCoast Dunkin' locations has not gone over well with staff. However the many customers who disagree with the policy might be surprising to some. A vast majority of feedback directed to Fun 107 was strongly against the move.

READ MORE: Viral Dunkin' Ice Coffee Buckets Are Returning

It's unclear why Dunkin' went in this direction. However, some speculated that it might be an accounting decision or a reaction to the no taxes on tips brought on by the Big Beautiful Bill. After multiple attempts, Fun 107 was not able to connect with the franchise owner of the Fairhaven Dunkin' prior to publication.