I enjoyed Jim Bunny's article on charging guests for the privilege of dining with you.

It's almost as audacious as cafes that charge like wounded bulls and then leave a ‘tip jar' on the counter for you to pay their staffs wages as well. Tipping is an American vice which I don't believe we need to copy in New Zealand.

John Wallis, Katikati.

Jim Bunny responds:

I have never seen more than a few low denomination coins in those tip jars. Certainly never enough to subside a wage packet.

I am more miffed by restaurants presenting EFTPOS terminals which ask whether you want to include a tip with your payment.

It is your choice – YES or NO. But all the time you feel you are being watched, you are being judged. Will you be Mr Nice guy or a tightwad?

I am generally the latter.

It just tells me tipping will become a social norm or even law here. I read that a real tip in the United States is 20 per cent of the bill but there wait staff are paid a pittance and depend on the top up. Would tipping bring cheaper meals?

I don't think so.