The tip that Romanians leave in bars and restaurants will be optional, as it has been until now, but it will be included on the bill, most likely starting this autumn. The change, estimated to double the income of employees in the field, was agreed upon on August 6 by industry representatives and the Minister of Finance.
Tipping regulation is a measure that the tourism industry has been requesting for several years and which was applied, unsuccessfully, a few years ago.
Now, tourism operators have requested that this measure be applied exclusively in this field, and if it is later extended to other sectors, pilot projects should exist first.
“We thought it should be a voluntary measure, not mandatory, and the money obtained from ‘tips’ should go to the employees, not the entrepreneurs. Employees will have higher, transparent incomes, and thus will access loans more easily. There are many advantages for employees, customers, and the Romanian state,” stated businessman Dragos Anastasiu, owner of Eurolines.
Dragos Petrescu, owner of the City Grill restaurant chain, also estimated that legalizing tipping in tourism will increase employee income and stabilize the workforce.
Asked if this model would be extended to other fields, the Minister of Finance replied that the respective branch would have to request it and, if useful, the ministry would be open to proposals.
Dragos Petrescu specified that the tip, a voluntary gesture, will remain the same, but if a customer decides to offer it, it will be taxed at their request.
He also said that throughout the European Community, there is a blank space on the bill where the customer, if they wish, writes the tip they are leaving. There will not be two bills, but a single fiscal receipt and a single payment.
From the tip, 90% will go to the employees, and the remaining 10% to the state as taxes.
Source: Profit
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tipping mandatory in Romania under the new law?
No, tipping remains a completely optional and voluntary gesture by the customer, even though it will be included on the bill.
How much of the tip actually reaches the employee?
According to the new regulations, 90% of the amount left as a tip will go to the employee, while 10% will be withheld by the state as tax.
How will the tip be paid on the fiscal receipt?
There will be a special space on the bill where the customer can write the desired amount, and a single fiscal receipt will be issued for the entire payment.