Brickbat: To Insure Prompt Service?

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston has suggested adding a 20 percent service charge to restaurant bills to help struggling eateries cover rising costs like wages and rent, after more than 200 Colorado restaurants closed last year. The idea was to let restaurants keep the extra cash instead of raising prices, though Johnston admitted the service charge would be taxed. But critics, including restaurant owners and groups such as the Colorado Restaurant Association, say the end effect would still be increased costs to diners, which could drive customers away, hurt businesses even more, and confuse people about tipping.

Comments

[MWAocdoc]

There is no silly idea that Госплан won't try in order to cover up the failure of government to keep their promises. Except, of course, the idea that the Colorado State Central Planning Committee should not try to promote or regulate the economic activities of its citizens in the first place. The rising cost of food due to boosting minimum wage laws, inflation from disastrous central monetary policy and draconian responses to viral epidemics could not POSSIBLY be the reason behind restaurants going out of business! I wonder where the Colorado Gulag will be located. Somewhere scenic but cold, I imagine.

[AT]

Nope.

People - especially those who count and budget their dollars - aren't going to pay higher than something is worth. These Democrats/Marxists don't get it. If everything that goes into a delicious hamburger is worth $10, we will pay $10 for it.

We will not pay $12 for it. If you will, because you're oh-so-benevolent with your dollars, great. But you are the exception, not the rule.

America understands market value. Even if they can't explain it, they understand it. You don't pay $6 for something that is only worth $5 - not unless you really really want it, in which case your bargaining power is weaker than the sellers. (Especially if the seller KNOWS you want it.)

And the same goes for human beings. A $5 human is not worth giving $6. That is a waste that gets you nothing in return. The milk doesn't froth any faster, the fries don't boil in oil any better, there is no discernable difference between which chimpanzee brings your plate from one place in the restaurant to another.

You are just throwing your money away, or passing on costs to consumers who won't put up with that kind of thing for very long.

If I lived in Colorado, and anyone told me that every meal out is going to cost 20% more for no discernable reason - guess what, I stop going out.

to help struggling eateries cover rising costs like wages and rent

Here's an idea - get your boot off their neck. Eliminate the minimum wage (especially including any health coverage obligations) get rid of OSHA and the EEOC, and let market value be the determining factor in low skill/high supply jobs.

[Fist of Etiquette]

Reducing taxes and regulations never crossed their minds.

[Adans smith]

Economics is hard.

[Vernon Depner]

Think of it as a tariff.

[SQRLSY]

Colorado needs to tax shit's citizens at say about 50% of the value of ALL goods and services that are SNOT from the Great State of Colorado! That will make ALL Coloradons RICH Beyond the Beyond of Imagination, AND Rocky Mountain High! Dear Orange Leader told me so!!!!

[Stupid Government Tricks]

Say, great idea! Why doesn't he apply the same logic to taxes? We could get rid of that deficit in no time!

[Rossami]

That has got to be one of the most stupid ideas I've ever heard. Has this moron of a mayor ever run a business? Has he ever even walked into a business?

[Rise of the Impedance]

Are you expected to tip 20% on top the 20% surcharge?

BTW, additional service charges are common here in SoCal. It's phrased something like "to "cover the expenses for our team". Often includes a note that "it is not a tip and doesn't go the server". 3%~5% on top of the menu price is typical.

I just subtract is from whatever tip I'm leaving anyway.