What is tip pooling?
Tip pooling occurs where all tips are shared and divided with other staff. If there is tip pooling, tips may be divided among the staff who provided assistance with servicing the patrons. Example: waiters/waitresses, busboys, bartenders, host/hostesses and maitre ds can legally be a part of the tip pooling. Those who do not provide direct table service such as dishwashers, cooks, and chefs, cannot receive a portion of the tip pooling. However, a chef may also receive a share of the tip pooling if he prepares food at the patrons table. Owners, managers, supervisors cannot participate in tip pooling even if they provide direct table service.
