Hi

As my wife owned a pub when I met her; I am aware of tip "wangles".
In the pub we had a large jar on the counter with "Tips" on it.
That worked OK for most of the time. Some customers gave tips to who-ever served them. We had no problems with this.

When we go to restaurants I always find out how the tips are paid. If I don't find out I give the cash tip to the waiter - I know that in some restaurants more than one waiter can serve you. In this situation I split the tip and reward accordingly.

Recently four of us went to a newly opening restaurant. When I went to pay the bill and paid by card I was charged automatically with 25% on the bill. I complained and the tip was removed with apology saying the person that served me made a mistake. They said that she should have asked how much I wanted to pay but she didn't know.

As the food and atmosphere was great we have been back several times and now they don't ask. !!!!

Cheers

MikeL2