Q&A: Is One Obligated to Pay a Tip
Originally published:
This is an English translation (via GPT-5.4). Read the original Hebrew version.
Is One Obligated to Pay a Tip
Question
Hello Rabbi,
Is there a prohibition of theft for someone who does not pay a tip in accordance with the local custom (assuming that the waiter who served him did so in a reasonable manner)?
Best regards,
Answer
I don’t think so. There is no obligation to pay, even if the service was good. The waiter receives a salary, and if not, the employer is violating the law.
However, if it is explicitly stated that the price does not include service, then perhaps it is open to discussion.