There was a story on the news a few months back concerning a restaurant in the Northeast. Couple didn't leave a tip because they felt the service was abysmal. Turns out the establishment and/or town had a mandatory tip in effect, manager called the cops, couple in question were taken into custody and charged.
When I was growing up, I was told the standard rule was at least 10%. Now I'm hearing from various places that 10% doesn't cut it any more, that you're supposed to tip anywhere from 15% to 20% as standard, even more for what you would consider excellent service.
Heck, why don't they just cut to the chase and start charging double for the meal, so everybody gets a cut of the action.
I remember a scene from the old TV show "Adam 12", where they're just finishing a meal in a diner with an obnoxious waitress. Kent McCord leaves a dime on the table, the waitress picks it up with disgust, and calls after them -
Waitress - "You call this a TIP?"
Kent McCord - "No ma'am, I call that a hint."