Massachusetts Eyes Minimum Restaurant Gratuity During Peak Season

Do you consider yourself to be a good tipper, someone who rewards the waitstaff for a job well done? At least one Massachusetts lawmaker wants to ensure that you do tip and that your tips meet the standard – or at least what he thinks the standard should be.

Rep. Manny Cruz, a Democrat from Salem, is on the case.

What the Bill Proposes

CBS Boston reported that a Cruz bill would "create a 19 percent minimum gratuity on all parties with more than four people if they are dining during 'peak restaurant season."

The bill, "An Act Relative to Minimum Gratuity While Dining" (H.2081), is pending before the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development.

Defining Peak Restaurant Season

CBS Boston reported that local officials would determine which season is considered "peak restaurant season" for their community. That would be done by a vote of the "city's councilmembers or in a town by their select board."

Cruz said visitors to Salem's restaurants during the peak Halloween season don't always tip well, if at all. His legislation would ensure that hardworking waitstaff are compensated fairly.

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Current Tipping Standards in Massachusetts

I consider myself to be a fair tipper. I mostly leave a 20 percent tip, but have been known to leave more or no tip at all, depending on the quality of service. Proper etiquette is a 15 percent to 18 percent tip for satisfactory service, with 20 percent of the pre-tax bill for good service.

I believe a tip should be voluntary and based upon the level of service rendered. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts should not require me to tip, let alone legislate how much.

Related Wage Legislation

Springfield-based WWLP-TV reported the committee is also reviewing legislation to raise the Massachusetts minimum wage to $20 per hour by 2029. The bill would also increase the tip wage from $6.25 to $12.