Multiple restaurants in Puerto Rico have been fined for unlawfully collecting tips from their customers. The Department of Consumer Affairs (DACO) has taken action against 14 establishments for imposing mandatory tips on their clients, in violation of the law.
According to El Vocero de Puerto Rico, the fines were issued after an investigation found that these restaurants were requiring customers to pay a set amount for tips, regardless of the quality of service received. This practice is illegal, as tipping should be voluntary and based on the customer’s satisfaction with the service provided.
Additionally, El Nuevo Día has published suggested tipping guidelines and charges for mandatory services in restaurants. The publication emphasizes that tipping should always be suggested, not forced, and that customers should be able to choose the amount based on their experience.
In a similar vein, Metro Puerto Rico reports that DACO and the Association of Restaurants (ASORE) have come to an agreement against the imposition of tips in restaurants. Both organizations are advocating for fair and voluntary tipping practices in the industry.
NotiCel also highlights the issue, reporting that DACO and the Puerto Rico Tourism Company have reiterated that imposing tips on customers is illegal. The fines issued to the 14 restaurants serve as a warning to others engaging in similar practices.
In light of these developments, it is important for both restaurant owners and customers to be aware of the laws regarding tipping in Puerto Rico. Tipping should always be at the discretion of the customer and based on the quality of service received, rather than being imposed as a mandatory charge.