On this issue of tips or what an establishment calls a "service charge," some states are properly quite strict about regulating them, and prohibiting the kinds of practices we have discussed here (putting a "service charge" on the patron's bill, but then NOT remitting it to the server staff). For example, here in MA, violation of this section of Chapter 157A results in the restaurant or other service establishment being liable for treble damages and attorneys' fees:

"(e) Any service charge or tip remitted by a patron or person to an employer shall be paid to the wait staff employee, service employee, or service bartender by the end of the same business day, and in no case later than the time set forth for timely payment of wages under section 148."

Our courts have interpreted the statute very broadly in response to some defendants that argued that there extra charge to a patron wasn't a "tip" or "service charge," but those proffers have (rightfully) been unavailing. The deception, and abusive practices, that establishments used to practice, to the detriment of serving staff and patrons, have largely disappeared.