Varadkar may ban use of service charge to top up waiting staff wages

Restaurants Association of Ireland alarmed over possible amendment to new bill on tips for hospitality workers

Some businesses in the hospitality sector have mandatory service charges which can be used to top up staff wages as well as providing them with tips. Picture: Getty

Restaurants, pubs and hotels could be banned from using mandatory service charges to subsidise staff wages, under plans being considered by Leo Varadkar.

The Tánaiste is bringing in a bill which will lay down new rules to provide hospitality staff with the legal right to retain the tips and gratuities left for them by customers. But some businesses in the hospitality sector also have mandatory service charges which can be used to top up staff ...