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27/04/2008, 22:31 oscar Joined on 28/02/2008 Posts 49 Re: "service non compris"  maureen wrote: As a general rule of thumb, if you take a "menu", the service is always included. ( TTC ).  If you eat à la carte, service is not included, and left to your discretion. Nobody 'tells' me what I must leave. I agree with you Maureen, it really p***es me off when I'm told that I WILL pay 12-15% service charge.. nevertheless I inevitably leave a tip in addition (in cash) because I have never been convinced when the service is included and therefore paid, often by credit card, that the waiter or waitress gets the money destined for them. I've never known a restaurant where they have been offended by being left a tip as well as the service charge though.    Report

28/04/2008, 6:53 cassis Joined on 28/12/2007 Manhattan and Glasgow Posts 458 Re: "service non compris" If there is a service charge then since 1987 all displayed prices for drinks and food to be consumed on the premises (regardless of whether menu or à la carte) are required by law to include that charge and to state the rate at which it is charged. http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/ It is not optional whether you pay service charge - it is a charge for use of the premises, chairs, tables, couverts, etc.).  Not the same as a tip, of course. Zoggy played guitar, jammin' good with Weird and Golly. Lyrics copyright Sausage Music 2008    Report

29/04/2008, 7:39 mayday Joined on 26/11/2007 Posts 14 Re: "service non compris" Hi cassis are you, perhaps,confusing 'service charge' and 'cover charge' maydaypropertyservices@yahoo.co.uk    Report

29/04/2008, 8:35 cassis Joined on 28/12/2007 Manhattan and Glasgow Posts 458 Re: "service non compris" There's never a separate "cover charge" as far as I'm aware - it's all wrapped in the term "service".   I know that in Swiss French "service" in a restaurant also equates to"couverts" in France, i.e. the cutlery and plates.  Some time ago I asked a number of French guests and neighbours about "service compris" and  tips.  What I've said above just summarises what they told me and what is written in the legal reference I mentioned.  A few quotes from the people I interviewed: "Pour notre part mon mari et moi, nous laissons un pourboire quand nous mangeons dans un restaurant amélioré.  Quand nous voyons qu'il ya des élèves, des jeunes employés - nous savons qu'ils travaillent beaucoup et sont mal payés!.  Nous laissons 1 ou 2 euros (j'aimerai laisser plus, mais.....!).  Quand je suis dans un bar je ne laisse pas de pourboire pour une simple tasse de café." "Oui, il faut payer le service, c'est obligatoire, c'est dans les prix, mais on peut laisser un pourboire aussi." "En effet le service est toujours compris, mais c'est une habitude de laisser quelques pièces au serveur. Ce n'est pas une obligation, moi mème si le serveur n'est pas sympa ou si j'ai trop attendu je ne laisse rien, sinon je laisse une pièce.  Combien?  C'est personnel, par exemple, 0.20€ pour deux cafés ou 1€ pour un repas." Zoggy played guitar, jammin' good with Weird and Golly. Lyrics copyright Sausage Music 2008    Report

30/04/2008, 8:31 Mel Joined on 23/08/2004 Norwich - Home of Archant Posts 722 Re: "service non compris" I've often wondered how the figure of 15% was arrived at? My wife and I ate two meals in Paris last weekend that each came to over 100 euros, so, for me, I consider 15% to be far too much. In fact, I never tip more than 10% anywhere, however good the food.    Report

10/05/2008, 11:14 Ian Joined on 04/07/2007 Posts 384 Re: "service non compris" I find it a little uncomfortable watching people get flustered with tipping. How much, when, to whom etc etc My tip? I always try to tip, discreetly and in advance of a meal with a  kindly word along the lines that we are confident that we shall be receiving great service.  It rarely backfires - and if it does I just complain and usually get something knocked off the bill. It often works brilliantly!  Try it next time. Holiday and Property Guide for Nice and the Cote d'Azur    Report

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