Restaurant Levels Gratuity Against Non-English Speakers

Thursday, 17 February 2011 | by Pat's Picks

How’s this for a double standard: The New York Times writes about a restaurant in Hawaii that requires a mandatory 15 percent tip from non-English speakers. Native English speakers, on the other hand, get to set their own tip. According to the Times, it’s “a custom of some guests, particularly those from Asia, not to tip their waiters.” Asians make up the majority of Hawaii’s tourists. The owners of the Thai restaurant who imposed the non-English gratuity (which they explained, in English, on their menu) removed it after receiving media attention but many locals say they understand the motivation: “It’s not part of their culture. They spend a lot of money, but they don’t tip.”