Serve says people who can’t afford to tip 20% “don’t deserve” to eat out at restaurants

Tipping – which is an optional custom – has become a heated topic in recent years, with many people expressing their frustration over the fact that a standard tip is usually set at 15-20%, and that anything under 20% is often viewed as inadequate.

In a recent video (which has since been removed), a restaurant worker going by the name Lillie, known as @mylasoasis_ on TikTok, made a bold statement. She suggested that if you cannot afford to tip your server, then you probably shouldn’t be eating out at a restaurant.

Lillie addresses the camera at the beginning of her video, stating: “Eating out is a privilege, not a right. If you cannot afford to tip 20%, you can’t afford to eat out.”

She compares the situation to hiring a nanny. “It’s the same thing with a nanny. If you can’t afford to pay someone a full salary, you don’t deserve a nanny,” she says. Lillie finishes off by declaring that if you cannot tip, then “you literally don’t deserve to dine out,” suggesting customers opt for takeout or visit fast-food places instead. Wowzer!

In the video’s caption, Lillie further expresses her frustration: “And to anyone who says we should be getting paid a higher hourly… Okay??? BUT WE AREN’T. Not tipping will only make your dining experience WORSE!!!!”

Following Lillie’s video, numerous people took to the comments section to give their own perspectives. One person, while acknowledging they consistently tip when dining out, took issue with the way Lillie presented her message

“I always tip, but the entitlement is just wild, like, find a different job that doesn’t require you to run around and pays you well hourly,” they commented.

Another user agreed, suggesting that if the job’s pay is insufficient, a person should seek alternative employment. “If you can’t live off your job pay, find another job. This is ridiculous,” they said.

Of course, there were users who were in agreeance with Lillie’s message. One person shared their own experience, saying: “LITERALLY… I make $2.13 an hour, and we literally don’t receive paychecks at all.” Another user chimed in, exclaiming: “SAY IT LOUDER FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE BACK.”