Tipping Etiquette In New Brunswick Restaurants

Tipping culture varies across the world, and in New Brunswick, tipping in restaurants is a common practice. The standard tipping percentage in restaurants falls between 15% and 20% of the pre-tax bill, with some suggesting a minimum of 18%. However, the amount of tip is often influenced by the quality of service, with excellent service deserving a tip above 20%, and poor service warranting a lower tip. While tipping is customary, it is not mandatory, and individuals may choose to reduce or withhold tips based on their experience.

Tipping in restaurants is banned in New Brunswick

The "tipping ban" means that customers are not prompted to leave a tip and staff are not allowed to give foul looks if no tip is left. Waiters and waitresses will now have access to health insurance, unionization, company retirement savings plans, and scholarships. In return, staff are instructed not to feel entitled to tips for doing the bare minimum.

The ruling has been met with mixed reactions. Some customers are relieved that their bill will no longer be increased by a tip, while others are concerned that they will miss out on the opportunity to reward excellent service. Small business owners have also expressed worry about being able to afford the increased wages.

While tipping in restaurants is banned, tipping is still customary in other service industries in New Brunswick, such as taxis, hotels, and spas. The average tipping percentage in these industries ranges from 8% to 23%, depending on the quality of service provided.

The provincial government raised the minimum wage for restaurant and bar staff

In 2015, the provincial government of New Brunswick raised the minimum wage for restaurant and bar staff to $17 per hour. This was a significant increase from the previous minimum wage, which was $11.50 per hour in 2019 and $11.70 per hour in 2020. The new ruling was a result of Premier Brian Gallant's experience at a restaurant in Fredericton, where he felt that the service did not warrant a tip. The provincial government's decision aimed to ensure that restaurant and bar staff are fairly compensated for their work, without relying heavily on tips to supplement their income.

The minimum wage increase had mixed reactions from both staff and business owners. Some servers expressed uncertainty about the change, as they were accustomed to earning additional income through tips, especially during busy shifts or special occasions. On the other hand, business owners, particularly those running small businesses, voiced concerns about the financial burden of paying their staff the new minimum wage. They argued that the increased labour costs would negatively impact their profitability.

Despite the concerns, the provincial government's decision to raise the minimum wage for restaurant and bar staff was a step towards ensuring a livable wage for workers in the industry. It aimed to reduce the reliance on tipping culture and provide a more stable income for these workers. This change also brought New Brunswick's minimum wage closer to the federal minimum wage, which was $14.75 per hour in 2023 and increased to $15.30 per hour in 2024.

The minimum wage increase in New Brunswick had far-reaching implications for both employees and employers. For employees, it meant a guaranteed hourly wage that was not dependent on the discretion of customers. This provided a level of financial security, especially for those working in lower-wage jobs. Additionally, the new ruling included access to health insurance, unionization, retirement savings plans, and scholarships for these workers.

To prepare for the minimum wage increase, small business owners were advised to audit their expenses, retain valuable employees, increase prices, and consider updating their technology to automate certain tasks. While some businesses may have struggled to adjust to the new minimum wage, the change ultimately aimed to improve the financial situation of restaurant and bar staff in New Brunswick.

Tips can be given in cash or on a credit card

Tipping in New Brunswick restaurants is no longer expected, as the provincial government has raised the minimum wage for restaurant and bar staff to $17/hour. However, if you do wish to leave a tip, it's important to know that tips can be given in cash or on a credit card.

When tipping with cash, simply leave the desired amount on the table for your server to collect. This is a straightforward process and ensures that your server receives the tip immediately.

On the other hand, tipping with a credit card involves a few more steps. First, you will hand over your credit card to the server to pay for the meal. The server will then bring back the card and a receipt for you to sign, with a space provided for adding a tip. Calculate the tip amount and add it to the total meal cost. Sign the receipt and leave it for the server, who will then complete the transaction by charging the total amount, including the tip, to your credit card.

It's worth noting that when tipping with a credit card, there may be a slight delay in processing the tip. Additionally, some employers may deduct credit card processing fees before passing on the tip to the employee. Therefore, it's always a good idea to check your account after tipping with a credit card to ensure you were charged the correct amount.

Whether you choose to tip in cash or on a credit card, remember that tipping is not mandatory. The decision to tip and the amount depend on your satisfaction with the service provided.

The standard tip percentage in restaurants

Tipping etiquette can be confusing, especially as it can vary from place to place and service to service. In New Brunswick, tipping is part of the culture and is expected in restaurants. However, there is no longer an expectation to tip waitstaff in restaurants in New Brunswick, as the provincial government has raised the minimum wage for restaurant and bar staff to $17/hour. This ruling also includes a caveat that customers are not prompted for tips, nor given negative looks if they choose not to leave a tip.

In general, when it comes to the standard tip percentage in restaurants, the amount varies depending on the location and the level of service. In the United States, for example, it is common to tip between 15% and 20% in sit-down restaurants. Some sources suggest that 20% is the standard or gold standard, while others state that 18% is the bare minimum, with 20-22% being the norm, and anything above 24% indicating a great experience.

It is important to note that the amount of tip can also depend on factors such as the complexity of the order, the level of service provided, and whether the restaurant includes a service fee. For example, if you receive exceptional service or if the server goes above and beyond, you may want to increase the tip percentage or add an additional amount. On the other hand, if the service is poor, it is generally recommended to leave at least 10%.

In New Jersey, New Brunswick, 99% of people tip between 10% and 23% in restaurants, with the actual percentage determined by the level of service. This percentage can go above 10% for superb service or below 23% for poor service.

When dining out, it is always a good idea to check the bill to see if a service fee is included, as this may influence the amount you choose to tip. Additionally, some restaurants may include menu items such as "Beers for the Kitchen," which provides an opportunity to tip the cooks and dishwashers.

While tipping is not mandatory, it is an important way to show appreciation for the service provided and can make a significant difference in the income of those working in the service industry.

Tipping for takeaway and delivery

As of 2015, tipping in restaurants in New Brunswick has been banned. The provincial government raised the minimum wage for restaurant and bar staff to $17 per hour, and mandated that customers are not prompted for tips. However, tipping for takeaway and delivery services is still common in the region.

For takeaway orders, it is generally recommended to tip based on the complexity of the order and the level of service provided. For a simple order, such as a burrito and a drink, a tip of $4-$5 is considered appropriate. For larger or more complex orders, a higher tip of around $20 is suggested.

When it comes to delivery services, it is important to consider the effort involved in getting your food to you. For a delivery from a nearby restaurant, a tip of $5 is usually sufficient. However, for more complex deliveries, such as those involving multiple items, severe weather conditions, or deliveries to higher floors, a larger tip of $20 or more is recommended to show your appreciation.

While there is no standard percentage for tipping on takeaway or delivery orders, it is worth noting that some sources suggest a range of 15-20% for tipping in similar service industries. Ultimately, the decision on how much to tip depends on factors such as the quality of service, the complexity of the order, and your own generosity.

Frequently asked questions