When Did Gratuity Become Mandatory?

I just read about a couple from Bethlehem, PA who were arrested for not leaving a tip. Now, the bill was marked with a mandatory 18% because they had 6 other people - but if the service was that bad and they explained that when they paid the rest of the bill, why would the restaurant call the police? Are you serious? In my opinion, a tip should be a tip. You are allowed to sway and/or guilt patrons into paying you a tip, but it is gratuity! you're supposed to be thankful for the service! If you're not happy - you shouldn't have to pay!

This is where we should really take after restaurants in Europe and other countries around the world - where tips aren't given, or if they are they are small - just enough to say "thanks". Heck, there are restaurants that even allow you to pay what you think the food is worth- not what they demand. I really think that people need to rethink their interaction with customers and the quality of service they give. Even if you didn't get the $16, is it worth all that bad media and potential legal fees?

I may not be a crazy out-of-this-world tipper, but i believe that most of teh time, the service isn't out of this world either. If we really tipped based on performance, don't you think the resturants, experience and employees would be better? Guess we know what restaraunt I won't be visiting anytime soon!!