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Yes

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That subject has always been a sore subject with me. Restaurant and bar owners make all kinds of money and everybody that works at the restaurant except the waiters and waitresses get at least minimum wage. How long would they need clean dishes and cooks if they didn't have the waiters and waitresses. they are the people who really deal with the customers and are the people at the restaurant that the customer deals with. A good waitress can make or break a restaurant or bar and I think the owners ought to realize that. I have never been a waiter but I have two daughters and a son who have all been in that trade at one time or another and if they have a slow night, they are lucky to make enough to pay for the gas to get to work. Minimum wage is minimum wage and that is exactly what it should be no matter what you do.

A tip is supposed to be a gift from the customer for good service or that little extra. That shouldn't have anything to do with hourly wage. If you are a good waiter or waitress you will get the tips and make darned good money but you should still make minimum wage. My oldest daughter tended bar. She is cute, outgoing and nice looking and she made good money. Quite a bit more than I did as an operating engineer. I know a good water or even more so a cute and efficient waitress will make me go back to a restaurant many times. I always tip at least fifteen percent unless they are just terrible and real dumbos, but many times if they are really good, I will give a 25% on a good meal and great service.

Yes, very definitely service industry employees should receive federal minimum wage. Tips are tips and should not be considered part of the wage.

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