The World Cup does not runneth over \u2014 with decent tips. <\/p>\n
As New York City transforms into a giant international watch party, local bartenders and servers are discovering that many visitors didn\u2019t get the memo about America\u2019s tipping culture.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Big Apple fans gather to watch the Mexico vs. South Africa match on June 11. REUTERS<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Supporters say the move is intended to protect\u00a0American servers who rely heavily\u00a0<\/a>on gratuities and avoid confusion for visitors unfamiliar with American tipping norms.<\/p>\n At McCarthy\u2019s Pub NYC<\/a> on West 46th Street, waitress Louise Daggett said serving the international crowds has been equal parts exhausting and entertaining.<\/p>\n \u201cEveryone has been really sweet . . . they\u2019re loud and happy, very nice,\u201d Daggett told The Post. But many are baffled by the American ritual of signing receipts and calculating tips.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s very different. And a lot of people haven\u2019t been leaving tips,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n McCarthy\u2019s Pub on West 46th St. has World Cup fever on full display. Helayne Seidman for the NY Post<\/p>\n Server Louise Daggett dished on how World Cup fans tip at McCarthy\u2019s Pub. Helayne Seidman for the NY Post<\/p>\n That can sting when a large group orders countless pints over several hours.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s been a lot of tables that have come in and had a tab of almost $700,\u201d Daggett said. <\/p>\n She says most visitors aren\u2019t being rude \u2014 they really don\u2019t know how things work here. <\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\tStart your day with all you need to know\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMorning Report delivers the latest news, videos, photos and more.\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\tThanks for signing up!\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n \u201cThey do ask,\u201d she said. \u201cThey say, \u2018Oh, how do I do this?\u201d I explain to them that tipping is big here in the city, and it\u2019s a nice habit to do.\u201d<\/p>\n And despite the longer shifts, earlier openings and extra staff brought in to handle the crowds, Daggett isn\u2019t losing sleep over it.<\/p>\n \u201cAll in all, I haven\u2019t had a bad experience because they\u2019re so happy and excited. And they try.\u201d<\/p>\n Anne Calimano, co-owner of Hurley\u2019s Saloon, talked about World Cup tourist boom in business. Helayne Seidman for the NY Post<\/p>\n A hostess at 5 Napkin Burger on 9th Avenue said they\u2019d been overwhelmed with the amount of tourists filling booths. She laughed at the single television the eatery had showing fans the games. <\/p>\n