Irish Examiner view: Tipping point for a fair distribution of gratuities 

The latest Payment of Wages Act is a formal recognition of the entitlements of people working in the service industry

Among the measures in Ireand's new Payment of Wages Act, employees must be given gratuities and tips included in cashless payments. Stock picture: Simon Dawson/Bloomberg

For many years, stories of the Irishman abroad and his first encounter with the tipping habits of other nations were the epitome of the culture clash. Misunderstandings and rapprochements abounded as the necessity of adding 10% or 15% to a bill was explained in those stories — until eventually they were so widespread that it was impossible to believe anyone leaving these shores could be surprised by the need to tip.

The proof is in the universal acceptance of tipping as a practice in Ireland itself. New legislation now makes it a legal requirement for employees to receive tips even if those are paid electronically rather than in cash.