New York server stays past her shift to wait on table. Then she learns they ‘don’t believe in tipping’ once it’s too late
Tipping culture in the United States is a controversial topic. Unlike most of the rest of the world, tipped workers in the U.S. largely rely on gratuities for their income rather than a stable base salary.
Under federal law, employers can pay tipped workers as little as $2.13 per hour, with tips expected to make up the difference so they reach the minimum wage of $7.25.
At the same time, tipping has expanded far beyond restaurants. Customers are now often prompted to tip in places like coffee shops, fast food counters, and other everyday services, which has led to growing frustration.
For some, that frustration has turned into opting out of tipping altogether.
But when that happens in a restaurant setting, it doesn’t affect the system as much as it affects the person serving the table.
That’s the experience one server recently shared in a TikTok video.
What Went Wrong During Her Shift?
In her video, which has garnered over 50,100 views, TikTok creator Annie (@annieonair) shares a story from a late shift.
“I waited beyond my shift for this table to close because their tab was… you know… $70,” she says.
According to her, the situation quickly went from frustrating to disappointing.
“Tip line on the credit card receipt said zero,” she says.
Then, she says someone from the group approached her at the bar.
“Just wanna let you know, don’t take it personal. They don’t believe in tipping,” the person told her.
She added in the caption, “I don’t believe in paying bills so can I skip that too?”
Commenters Are Split About Tipping
In the comments section, viewers were divided on the situation.
“TIPPING IS OPTIONAL AND SHOULD BE BANNED!” one person wrote.
“Tipping is OVER. Not doing it any longer,” another added.
“We aren’t required to make up the wages your employer refuses to pay you. Also, blame tipping culture. It’s out of control with the disrespectful tablet turn,” a third said.
The creator responded to that comment directly.
“I totally agree it’s out of control. But this is a restaurant. There’s no turning the screen,” she wrote.
Others pushed back on anti-tipping takes.
“I’m going to bet that most people that say ‘I tip for great service’ or ‘the restaurant should pay better’ have never been a server or worked in a restaurant,” another commenter added.
When Is It Acceptable to Not Tip Your Server?
According to most etiquette guides, it’s almost never acceptable to skip tipping a server—at least not unless something seriously unacceptable happened during your experience.
The general standard sits around 20% to 25%, with anything above that typically reflecting exceptional service. Even if the service was lacking, many experts still recommend leaving at least 10%.
While that can feel frustrating, there are systems in place that reinforce tipping culture in the U.S., and servers themselves aren’t the ones responsible for it.
@annieonair I don't believe in paying bills so can I skip that too? ?
♬ original sound – annieonair
The Mary Sue has reached out to Annie via TikTok messages for comment and additional information.
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