The ethics of tipping

Even if a Greek is just having a quick coffee, they'll usually leave a few coins next to the cup. Especially if it's a regular spot where they know the server by name, they'd feel uncomfortable leaving without tipping. Until recently, most customer tips - usually in cash - would be pooled together and shared among the servers at the end of the shift. Ideally, kitchen staff should also get a share, though I doubt that happens very often.

What many may not know is that for the past 30 years, there's been a law to tax tips. However, it was impossible to enforce because the money was cash and didn't leave a trace. On top of that, no one made a serious effort to go after it, since tips help supplement the low wages of waitstaff and similar workers.

However, with technology - and the increasing use of card payments - things have changed, creating the need for a new tax...