World Cup tourists arent leaving tips and NYC restaurants are fighting back

The World Cup does not runneth over — with decent tips.As New York City transforms into a giant international watch party, local bartenders and servers are discovering that many visitors didn’t get the memo about America’s tipping culture.An estimated 1.2 million soccer fans are flooding the region for FIFA World Cup Matches at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., packing bars and restaurants from morning kickoffs to late-night celebrations.The cash registers are ringing, the beer is flowing and the tables are full.
But the tips are coming up short.And some cities are doing something about it.Restaurants in places such as Kansas City, Atlanta and Philadelphia have begun adding automatic 20% gratuities to checks, during the tournament, according to industry groups and restaurant operators.Supporters say the move is intended to protect American servers who rely heavily on gratuities and avoid confusion for visitors unfamiliar with American tipping norms.At McCarthy’s Pub NYC on West 46th Street, waitress Louise Daggett said serving the international crowds has been equal parts exhausting and entertaining.“Everyone has been really sweet .
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they’re loud and happy, very nice,” Daggett told The Post.But many are baffled by the American ritual of signing receipts and calculating tips.“It’s very different.
And a lot of people haven’t been leaving tips,” she said.That can sting when a large group orders countless pints over several hours.“There’s been a lot of tables that have come in and had a tab of almost $700,” Daggett said.
She says most visitors aren’t being rude — they really don’t know how things work here.Morning Report delivers the latest news, videos, photos and more.
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Never miss a story.“They do ask,” she said.
“They say, ‘Oh, how do I do this?” I expla...