tipping and service charges

[Anonymous]

lately i noticed that my restaurant bills are starting to come with "service charges" listed -- typically 17 or 18%. But they're also leaving the line blank for gratuity.

The last time this happened, I wrote in a slash for zero on the tip line with an arrow up to the service charge, which I circled.

Was this OK? Setting aside the propriety of it, is the service charge and tip the same thing? Or did I screw a server out of money?

[Anonymous]

If they're adding 18% and calling it a service charge, I'm not adding any extra.

In fact, I wish they'd all do this. Assuming the 18% goes to the service staff.

Anyone on this board in the restaurant game?

[Anonymous]

Service charges are generally paid out on a paycheck, while tips are "cash and carry" at the end of the night. Service charges both ensure the server is making money / living / wage and it is also making it much easier for the business owner to properly report taxes.

[Anonymous]

It probably would be a good idea to ask about the distribution of the service charge so that you are not assuming anything (and unintentionally stiffing the servers). Some places give a portion of the automatic service charge to servers, but management retains the rest. Usually, service workers are entitled to the full amount of whatever the customer writes in on the gratuity line.