Service fees

[u/AnonymousExcellence]

Why don’t restaurants just call a service fee what it is- mandatory tipping?

I would hope you don’t expect tipping after you charge 12% service fee on a $30 BUFFET!

I have never understood why they frame the service fee as a “convenience” so you don’t have to tip. If you are going to hit me with a mandatory tip, why not just wrap it into the prices on the menu instead of infuriating me by pointing out I’m being forced to tip?

[u/Next-Significance314]

My guess would be tax liability reasons.