An Australian hospitality group has once again faced significant backlash for its controversial practice of automatically including a tip on customer bills, a move that has sparked a heated debate about the encroachment of US-style tipping culture in Australia.
Sydney Diner's Viral Complaint
Sydney resident Christy Murray publicly called out Tilda, a restaurant located within the five-star Sofitel Sydney Wentworth hotel in the CBD, after discovering a seven per cent 'optional gratuity' had been added to her bill without her explicit consent. In a video shared last week, Ms Murray expressed her frustration, questioning why tipping is becoming prevalent in Australia. She remarked, "I'm sorry, I didn't realise I teleported to the US after dessert. I'm paying gratuity because it's just shoved down my throat. I understand the option of having it there but putting it onto the bill automatically is so weird."
Exploiting Social Pressure
Ms Murray argued that the current system takes advantage of diners' reluctance to complain or appear frugal. She suggested that the venue banks on customers not wanting to seem cheap by asking for the tip to be removed, thereby ensuring many pay the extra charge without question.
History of Controversy
Tilda is owned by House Made Hospitality, a group that has repeatedly come under fire for its tipping practices. This is not the first time the issue has surfaced; another customer publicly criticised the automatic charge as recently as April last year, indicating a persistent pattern of discontent among patrons.
Public Backlash and Support
Hundreds of commenters have rallied behind Ms Murray, questioning the necessity of such tips in Australia. Many pointed out that hospitality staff in the country receive a fair minimum wage, unlike their counterparts in the United States. One commenter stated, "Our hospitality staff here aren't on $7 per hour so there's no need!" Another suggested, "They need to be honest and just increase their prices to include that seven per cent. Then people can decide whether or not they want to eat there."
Widespread Discontent Across Venues
Similar criticisms have been levied against several other venues under the House Made Hospitality umbrella. In Google reviews for Tilda, one diner wrote, "There was a seven per cent gratuity surcharge included in the initial bill by default, there was an option to remove. However, it should not be there in the first place." Another reviewer for Lana, another group venue, complained, "They add a seven per cent gratuity to every bill. Adding seven per cent by default is just pretentious."
Legal and Ethical Considerations
While automatic tipping is permitted under Australian consumer law, provided customers are informed in advance, the practice has raised ethical concerns. Tilda does disclose its tipping policy in fine print at the bottom of its menu, but critics argue this is insufficient and places an unfair burden on diners to notice and request removal.
The ongoing controversy highlights a broader cultural clash, as many Australians resist the importation of American tipping norms, preferring transparency in pricing. Daily Mail has reached out to House Made Hospitality for comment, but as of now, the group has not publicly addressed the latest wave of criticism.
