PN election candidate George Muscat has ripped into restaurants for presenting customers with tipping options on POS machines.

Muscat said that many people end up tipping waiters by mistake or because they feel too uncomfortable to opt out.

“It is shameful and very uncomfortable that when we pay our bills, the first thing that pops up is a prompt to leave a tip of €5, €10 or €15, with the option of pressing a button if you don’t want to tip,” Muscat said.

“Many people have spoken to me about this and are shocked at the state of play. They might give a tip by mistake or because they are too embarrassed not to tip seeing as the machine would be in the waiter’s hand.”

“This isn’t right. It is deceptive. Rather than charging a coperto as an indirect tip, restaurants are obliging you to tip.”

“Many people view this as unfair. If someone wants to tip, it should be their decision – not the restaurant’s.”

Do you agree with George Muscat’s argument?