As restaurants in several FIFA World Cup host cities prepare for an influx of international visitors, some are taking proactive measures by adding automatic gratuities to customers’ checks. This decision stems from concerns that guests from countries with different tipping customs may unintentionally undercompensate workers.

Recently, the Missouri Restaurant Association advised establishments in Kansas City to implement a temporary 20% automatic gratuity during the soccer tournament, as reported by Fox News Digital. Following suit, restaurants in other World Cup host cities like Atlanta and Philadelphia are also adopting this practice, according to Food & Wine.

This move is aimed at safeguarding workers who heavily rely on tips and avoiding confusion for visitors unfamiliar with American tipping norms. Some restaurant operators have indicated that they will prominently display notices informing customers of the added charge.

Bob Riekhof, the general manager of La Bodega in Kansas City, emphasized the importance of clear communication with guests regarding the automatic gratuity. The goal is to ensure a smooth transaction without any awkward conversations about tipping customs.

While some applaud this initiative for its practicality, others express concerns that mandatory gratuities could contribute to consumer frustration over additional fees. David Henkes from Technomic, a food industry research firm, highlighted the risk of backlash if customers perceive the added charge as an expectation to tip on top of the automatic gratuity.

Despite differing opinions on mandatory gratuities, the debate underscores a broader question faced by restaurants: how to navigate cultural differences in tipping expectations while ensuring fair compensation for workers. Some believe that excellent service and transparent pricing are sufficient to encourage customers to tip voluntarily.

While some establishments opt for automatic gratuities during the World Cup, others like Robert Mahon of Mahon Hospitality maintain their existing gratuity policies. Mahon emphasizes the importance of tipping based on service received rather than a major event, and his company is focusing on creating a welcoming atmosphere with fair pricing to attract customers throughout the tournament.

Ultimately, the decision to implement automatic gratuities raises questions about how best to balance cultural differences, customer expectations, and worker compensation in the restaurant industry. Fox News Digital has reached out to the National Restaurant Association for further insights on this ongoing debate.