Based on bdeely's post from the owner/manager this morning, I questioned the service charge on my bill today; I was a single. I first talked with the bartender, who initially told me they had a new system and today was the first day the SC appeared on bills. I told him I knew that was not true and that absent a SC, I usually tipped 20% but with the SC often no more. He replied that's why they don't like the SC. Then he tried to tell me it was at the discretion of the server but he also said they could remove it; I asked him to do so. Again, ONLY because of what bdeely was told, I asked to speak to the owner. They referred to a "she," but a young gentleman came out to speak to me. I neglected to get his name (my bad) but I'd say he was late 30s/early 40s. I explained we'd been told there was a SC only for parties of six or more. He said they had a new system and recently changed from 20% to 15%. I said for parties of six or more? No, for EVERYONE. I told him what I thought about an added SC; he said, so we should change it back to 20%? I said, no, zero. He thanked me for my opinion, and that was the end of it.

Please, no comments about "you're on vacation, don't worry about it." I am bringing this up ONLY because of what bdeely was told as that was not my experience today. Perhaps the owners haven't all gotten together to iron this out.

On the plus side, I really liked the cabana and was glad they didn't have enough umbrellas. My tuna tartare was very good, and service was attentive. And best of all, I met MotownTim!!

You Go Jazzgal Well done!!

Thank you Miss Linda for your onsite update. I will make the time to walk down the beach and speak directly to the owner. I shared previously, my direct online interactions with the owner and both times he stated there was no mandatory service charge for parties of 5 or less.

Sounds like they are making their SC policy up as it goes based on their mood and clientele.

I had posted in my trip report that the owner/chef came over and introduced herself to us. She said she was originally from the Virgin Islands where they have a restaurant and that she had open this restaurant a couple of months ago. I did not see a 20% service charge for lunch. We paid in cash. Two weeks ago they accepted cash, Venmo, Zelle and Paypal that was two weeks ago.

Five of us ate dinner on another night and paid separately. I’m fairly certain if I neglected to see the 20% service charge one of our friends would’ve seen it on their bills so I think it was 15% which was a standard charge except at Roma. Even casual spots like Driftwood and Dinghy Dock have 15% clearly stated a on their menus.

Jazzgal, the pleasure was all mine!

A brother and sister own the new Dinghy's wth the sister being the chef. The sister intends on joining the board and sharing their new policy. I would expect to hear something definitive in the next few days. Maybe a minimum like many on the Dutch side have and 20% for parties of six or more.

As long as ANY place adds a SC.....that will be the tip left. period. I would rather see a 20 percent increase on stated menu prices, than this ridiculous practice that has become so common on the island. If more people band together, especially those of us that have visited for years and years, and did not leave an additional 15 percent or whatever, they would soon realize this practice does nothing but piss people off. Fair pricing is menu price. period.
If a server doesn't like this policy of the sc, they don't have to work there. I have always been ok about overlooking some of these practices, but as time goes on, and it becomes more prevalent, those days are going to be behind me. Good service will get a bit extra...but certainly not another 15 to 20 percent or more.
How many of us would be willing to go to a local restaurant back home, and pay around 45 percent more than the stated menu pricing? (that is adding a 20 percent or so service charge, plus a 15 to 20 percent tip, and of course we can't forget the state taxes). These restaurants would be gone in no time!!!

The hourly wage is a lot less than on the french side. This adding SC is going to shoot these servers in the foot. I think, we that have been going to the island for years should let our favorite owners owners know, we will not be reaching in our pockets for additional tips!! Receipt pads should have listed "Gratuity not included", or included . I had this problem with European clients. They never would tip. So, when I knew they were here on a work visa, I added my own tip to the bill. What is the percentage of Europeans that visit the Dutch side?? If it that much different than the french side owners need to rethink this SC BS!! When I think about it, we were on the island for 17 days and went out to lunches and dinners. Add up all the money that I didn't account for just in tips, that was enough for a few extra dinners!! SMH!!! Isn't there a restaurant association???

Nice work. ffrom all here.....thanks. I'm with EdB ,,,,if there is a SC then that's the tip. What I don't like is the grief from the workers wanting something in addition to that mandatory tip. Hvaing a SC won't keep me away from an establishment but getting grief will

Correct. Don't play games with me and if one ever asks about the service charge, they open themselves up to all kinds of stories. If service was good (Dutch side) I will leave a few $$/5% on top of the included 15% but if it more than 15%, that is it. And, never ask on the French side or you will likely be misled.

You got it, Scuba. Pick a policy and stick with it.

Seem like a new business would not want rock the fragile boat. I just don’t get penalizing larger groups by charging more SC and I’d never pay 20%. I’m sure they need money for better umbrellas etc, but that’s not how your getting repeat customers. Does seem a little day by day policy.

Auto tips for large groups is pretty standard. That one I definitely understand. Having been part of several large groups in SXM, it is a strain on most restaurants. And, to some extent, I kind of prefer it in large groups, so there isn't a dispute among the patrons as far as what to tip.

Interestingly, a couple of summers ago we hosted a dinner for 12 at Emilio’s to celebrate our 50th anniversary. They did not automatically add the typical large group service charge. The service and food was outstanding. We provided a VERY nice tip in cash at the end of the evening when we paid the bill. And when I think about it, with all of the drinks and food that everyone had, the bill was very reasonable.

Sounds like a bit of a billing mix-up there. Good on you for questioning it. The owner's explanation is a bit confusing, though. Anyway, it's cool that you enjoyed the cabana, tuna tartare, and met MotownTim!

"Sounds like a bit of a billing mix-up there."
More like testing what the market will bear and making up explanations to cover their a$$.

We are owners at Divi Little Bay on the Dutch side since 1995. The issue of the Service Charge listed on the receipts at all of their resort food services came up on their Facebook Page about a year ago, and there were a variety of opinions among current and former guests, as to what was a SC and what was a tip. Eventually Ann-Marie Brooks, the Divi Resort Manager, joined the conversation and this is what she said, and I quote "The 15% service charge collected on all checks in all outlets go in "one pot" and are divided according to a point system transparent/known to the employee and paid out through their payroll every 2 weeks. Management does not share in this, management does not hold any monies back. Yes, employee pays tax on the registered income. Any cash tip goes directly to your server." Perhaps this is how it is done in other restaurants and resorts. This may explain why some servers don't think they are getting "tipped", because they don't see it right away.

It seems the charge might have been at the discretion of the server because the day our son and DIL went there they were told quietly by their server, “I’m not adding the service charge to your check, but don’t say anything.” (I had pre-warned them that they might see a 20% service charge added to the bill). My son and DIL were both servers at one point in their lives, so they tip
very generously regardless. Sounds like the establishment needs to figure out their policy and stop the confusion. In any event, the ‘kids’ thoroughly enjoyed the time they spent there and are already talking about going back more often next year. We didn’t get over there ourselves, so can’t speak to it.

Doesn't sound like they have a policy or proper management of their servers. Kind of flaky way of doing business.