Society says we should tip waiters and waitresses in restaurants - but is that right?

In many countries outside Europe tipping is the only income for waiting staff. They in turn have to 'tip out' or redistribute these funds, to bar staff or cloakroom attendants and so on.

In the UK employment law determines the pay these staff must receive – the national minimum wage. This legislation also states that employers are not allowed to cover any shortfall in wages with tips. More and more restaurants now factor the service charge directly into the bill – although this should be made plain to customers from the outset.

A common excuse for foregoing a tip is dissatisfaction with the meal. But it must be considered that waiter is merely transporting dishes to the table and shouldn't be held responsible for any shortcomings in the kitchen.

With taxi drivers or takeaway delivery staff, it is really down to etiquette and whether or not you feel service was exceptional. A little extra on top of the taxi fare will certainly cheer up the driver; whether it gives you the same level of satisfaction is subjective.