Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in California

Re: do i have to pay gratuity ?

You mean can you legally stiff a waitperson?

Yes, but many establishments mandate a gratuity if you are in a large party. Large parties are always dividing up the check and the waitpeople always seem to get shorted. Usually there is a notation on the menu or a sign if this policy is in effect.

Remember, waitpeople pay taxes on the gratuity you don't give them, and they decide whether you get "something extra" in your meatloaf.