What's the deal with tipping in the US?

[Howlin Mad Missy]

I object to paying these peoples wages twice when you the employers supposed to be paying them, my bill pays for that and I'm supposed to pay again? how do they get round the minimum wage?

If waitstaff and bartenders didn't have the gratuity than there would be alot of single mothers and college students in the poor house. Not to mention if employers had to pay a decent wage for good service personnel the prices for food and beverages would skyrocket. Being able to earn 150-300 dollars 2-5 times a week at my bar allowed me to go to school full time, pay rent and bills, save a little and actually have enough to do the things I enjoy.

If you're earning that from a couple of nights work then I'm having your job Employers ARE supposed to pay YOUR wage from my bill not I pay him and you as an extra.