Waitress says people who can’t afford a 20% tip shouldn’t eat at restaurants

The debate raises broader questions about tipping culture in the United States. While some countries have adopted higher minimum wage policies for service workers, the United States continues to rely heavily on tips to supplement servers’ incomes.

Ultimately, this debate raises the fundamental question of employers’ responsibility to their employees. Should customers be required to compensate service workers for their low wages through generous tips? Or should there be a broader change in how service workers are compensated?