Enshrining tips in law for servers misses the point

Time to pay our waiting staff properly, argues James Moore

- James Moore

The day after it becomes illegal for pubs, cafes and restaurants, hotels and taxi firms to get their grubby hands on the tips that customers intend to go to their service providers, would now be a good time to talk about getting rid of the outdated practice altogether?

No more controversy. No need for that embarrassed fumbling for coins you don't have perhaps because, even with the new law, you worry that the waiter or waitress who's looked after you all night won't get the money if you use your card.

From yesterday, service industry workers have the right to go to an employment tribunal if their employer stiffs them over gratuities. But that can be very expensive, especially if you're working for minimum wage on a zero-hours contract.

So how about we just ditch tipping? Instead, you should be able to go out, pay what it says on the bill, and go home. And, for their part, serving staff should be paid properly.