Can a bartender add a tip to your tab? Tipping rules in Georgia may not protect you

It can be a problem for both bartenders and patrons, but if you leave your card at an establishment without closing the tab, the employee can add a tip to it… sometimes.

Service industry employees and their earnings are exempt from minimum wage and so many servers and bartenders rely almost exclusively on the tips they make. In fact, the federal minimum cash wage for tipped employees, which applies in Georgia, is $2.13 per hour.

When they provide the service without payment, they must make some decisions about how to proceed in a mutually ethical way.

In Georgia, some bars have policies for abandoned tabs at the end of the night, but things get a little murkier if the guest has signed the slip already.

Can they add a tip if I leave without signing?

It’s happened to all of us. If you’ve ever discovered a tip on your bill that you did not add, there’s probably not much you can do about it.

Communication is key in these matters. The tip is legitimate if:

• The policy is clearly posted

• Customers are informed when opening a tab

• It is consistently applied

If you want to dispute the charge you have a few options .

• Contact the establishment first to discuss the issue.

• If unresolved, you can dispute the charge with your credit card company.

• Be prepared to explain why you believe the charge is incorrect.

Can they add a tip to the slip I’ve already signed?

While there is no specific law in Georgia covering this particular scenario, adding a tip to a credit card receipt after it is signed could be considered fraudulent and grounds for termination.

If an amount was added, after the fact, customers have rights. Credit card holders can dispute the charges with the restaurant and the credit card company.

The action likely violates both state and federal laws concerning credit card fraud and could result in serious consequences.

• Criminal charges

• Civil lawsuits

• Employment termination

• Possible fines and restitution for the employee and the business

The best practice is to always close your tab before you leave the bar or restaurant so you won’t have to worry about any additional charges.

Have you ever had to deal with this? Sound off in the comments or find me on Instagram .

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