Tourist left stunned by waiter's blunt message on £25 restaurant receipt | Edinburgh Live

A tourist was left stunned after a waiter wrote a blunt message on their restaurant receipt.

Travelling to a foreign country requires adapting to different customs and expectations – even those you might not typically encounter at home. However, mishaps can still occur, as one holidaymaker discovered when attempting to leave a cash gratuity for their server following a meal.

In America, tipping is commonly anticipated for roles including waiting staff, bar workers, cab drivers and hotel personnel. This stems from these workers receiving minimal base salaries that rely heavily on customer gratuities to supplement their income.

These staff members can be dependent upon customer tips simply to get by, which can occasionally create uncomfortable moments when settling the bill.

Yet understandably, amid the ongoing cost of living squeeze, some are growing irritated at having to fork out substantial additional sums to support hospitality staff. After all, it should fall to employers to provide a decent wage!

Discussion around this topic recently ignited on Threads, following a visitor to the States posting an image of a receipt for a $33.06 (£25) meal. They intended to tip using cash, so entered "0.00" on the gratuity line, reports the Mirror.

Unfortunately, this sparked controversy. The server assumed no tip would be forthcoming, prompting them to scrawl something offensive on the receipt.

The message in question was handwritten at the foot of the receipt and stated: "Learn to TIP. It's not my job to serve you FOR FREE!".

The tourist was less than impressed, subsequently deciding they wouldn't be leaving any cash whatsoever for the 'discourteous' waiter. They recounted: "On my holiday travels, I stopped and had breakfast. this occurred afterwards. I was gonna leave a cash tip...... These servers are out of control, A lot of times they blocked their blessings for greed!".

The post quickly went viral, attracting thousands of likes and comments from other users sharing their views on the incident. One person remarked: "Actually, yes it is their job , that's so cheeky."

Another commented: "Your job is literally serving diners. It's your bosses job to pay you, not mine."

Whilst a third added: "If you're not getting paid by your EMPLOYER, that's your fault. Tipping is OPTIONAL."

A fourth person contended: "It's your employer's responsibility to pay you not your customers. Tips are for excellent service. Going above and beyond."

Nevertheless, some users came to the server's defence. One individual stated: "Tips are their salary. Not a blessing. They worked and should be paid. Sorry for the frustrated note but I get it."

Another person concurred, explaining: "Greed? In U.S. servers get a base salary of $2.13/hour on average. In most other countries it's even less. The majority of the money they make is tips.

"We can argue that the system is broken, and restaurant owners should pay their employees, and, while valid, it's a different point. This is how system works, and we shouldn't punish people for the system's imperfection. Tipping is customary in many places and people rely on it. It's not greed."

So, what's your take on this tricky predicament?

Has the culture of tipping truly spiralled out of hand?

Be sure to share your views in the comments section below.