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[REPORT] Mike Pence 'Cheap' Restaurant Tip: How Much Should You Give Waiters?

US Vice President Mike Pence went trending on Dec. 30, over an alleged copy of a restaurant receipt wherein he dined in. The controversy behind the picture is that Pence reportedly given only $5 waiter tip to a $45 bill.

Mike Pence as 'worst' tipper?

[REPORT] Mike Pence 'Cheap' Restaurant Tip: How Much Should You Give Waiters? — U.S. Vice President Mike Pence announces the Trump Administration's plan to create the U.S. Space Force by 2020 during a speech at the Pentagon August 9, 2018 in Arlington, Virginia. Describing space as adversarial and crowded and citing threats from China and Russia, Pence said the new Space Force would be a separate, sixth branch of the military. Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

In times of pandemic, the name of VP Mike Pence went viral before the year ends. A Twitter account named Sachin Chheda @skccheda posted an image of what appears to be a restaurant receipt from a local food store called Coyote Cafe.

The vice president dined in few specials from the restaurant such as two chipotle chicken sandwich with ginger ale and hot chocolate.

Nothing special, it seemed. Unfortunately, the people online saw a particular problem on this receipt.

Here’s the character of these people.

A friend’s friend works at a restaurant that served @Mike_Pence at lunch today.

He tipped $5 on $45 bill.

This is who these people are. Remember that, always. pic.twitter.com/T1dILFzF2N
— Sachin Chheda (@skchheda) December 30, 2020

The total cost of the food was $45. Pence only charged $5 waiter tip from his account. This what stirred the crowd from accusing the vice president as 'cheapskate' amid the pandemic.

What people say

A lot of people have already commented and reacted on the photo. The post now has over 37,000 likes, more than 12,000 retweets, and at least 5,000 comments.

Interestingly, a lot of the comments said that Pence was insensitive in this manner, by showing off what appears to be a wrong tipping system. According to most, it is also not right for the vice president to tip 'so little' since millions of Americans are suffering financially amid pandemic.

This is how the math works people: 44.25 bill, round up to 45; 10% is 4.50, x 2 for 20% means $9, but you round up so it’s an easy $10. Pence makes a ton of $$$, he’s not been hurt 1 bit by the pandemic. So, for folks like him the MINIMUM requires an extra $5 thrown in = $15
— klee (@k1k2lee) December 30, 2020

First of all, the tip IS shitty. Period.

Secondly, must be nice to go on vacay. Thirdly, must be nice to be able to go out ( maskless no doubt) for lunch in a restaurant during a pandemic as the "acting" leader of the Pandemic Task Force, while more than 3,000 Americans died.
— Mamamia ✌️🟧🌈 (@Mamamia1151) December 30, 2020

In non-COVID times, I can understand your point. But given current circumstances, you know, a pandemic literally destroying restaurants, the fucking VP could at least tip 20% on a takeout order
— hugh jaynus (@Hugh_Jaynus88) December 30, 2020

On the other hand, some people think that it was not right for the person to post Pence's personal receipt in a restaurant. Especially, since he is still the vice president of America.

At least 10%+ is considered a good tip in Australia because we actually pay our waiters (on the whole) a decent wage. What is the norm in the U.S? I have no idea but presuming by your tweet that it should be way over 10%?
— Caro Webster (@caroandcoau) December 30, 2020

That is a little over 10%. Why, what is the local custom? (genuine question, we often don't tip at all) . I am more shocked that he paid so much for a snack. Australia seems a way cheaper place to eat.
— Si-Mo (@Simonlovesswims) December 30, 2020

Hey I’m no fan of Mike Pence, but 12.5% (always tip on the pre-tax subtotal) doesn’t seem unreasonable to me. I don’t subscribe to the runaway 20%+ gratuities so commonly found today, even if split with the back-end staff.
— Candid Observer (@uh_who_are_you) December 30, 2020

How much should you give?

As a diner, how much tip should you give out in America?

According to USA Today, the basic American tipping is 15-20 percent of the pre-tax bill. To be exact, tipping in America should be 15% to 20% for sit-down restaurant service, 10% for servers at buffets (for help with drink orders and plate removal) and $1 to $2 per drink for bartenders, or 15% to 20% of the bar tab.

However, in most countries like Australia, 10% is enough since their minimum wage is higher than in the US.

What do you think about this one?