England fans attending the World Cup in the United States will be charged an automatic 20% gratuity on all beers and food at many pubs and restaurants. The move is intended to protect low-paid staff who rely on tips, as many international visitors may be unaware of American tipping customs.
Establishments in Kansas City, where the England squad is based, as well as Dallas, Boston, and New York—host cities for England's group matches—have adopted the policy. The Inn at Meadowbrook, England's headquarters, is among those participating.
Mike Burris, executive director of the Missouri Restaurant Association, said: 'Of all the countries coming here, some of them will know about tipping, and some of them don't know anything about it. If I were a server, I wouldn't be too happy if I took care of somebody for 90 minutes and they didn't tip just because they didn't know any better.'
Steve DiFillippo, owner of Davio’s Italian restaurant in Boston, said restaurants will inform customers via menu notices. He added: 'Our servers and bartenders are the lifeblood of our industry. We would never want them to get hurt.'
Reaction among England fans is mixed. Dave Robbins, 62, from Portsmouth, said: 'I’ve already factored in that tips are going to cost me. It’s probably easier to have it all on one bill.' However, Phil Warwick, 57, from Stoke-on-Trent, argued: 'Of course we will tip - but we will choose how much we pay depending on the quality of the service. This is wrong.'
