I agree, the tip at that point is entirely optional whereas without the service charge it would be expected. This seems no different than a “18% gratuity will be added to parties of 8 or more.”
It says on the receipt that they use the service charge to post a higher wage so if that is true then it does (indirectly) go to the staff. Like you say though - there’s no guarantee that it all goes to the staff.
I actually interpreted that is tipping is now optional because the service charge goes to the staff
I agree, the tip at that point is entirely optional whereas without the service charge it would be expected. This seems no different than a “18% gratuity will be added to parties of 8 or more.”
Does it? Tips are legally protected and must go to staff, but I don’t think the same applies to “service charges”.
It says on the receipt that they use the service charge to post a higher wage so if that is true then it does (indirectly) go to the staff. Like you say though - there’s no guarantee that it all goes to the staff.
That’s how I interpreted the contents of the receipt, that’s all I can tell you.
This would reduce tipping a lot, so if the staff weren’t being paid well to begin with I don’t see how they’d continue working there.