Stanton Social Fiasco
So I have drinks at the Stanton Social bar last night (I know, I know). I get two $10 drinks and the bill comes, which I pay with my credit card. After signing, I notice the bill is for $22. I ask the bartender why $22? He says "that's for tax." Now, I know tax is 8.625 percent, so I say, "That's not the right about of tax." And he says "That's just how we do it here. We round up." Round UP? The most laughable thing I've ever heard. So I call the manager today, explain my problem. He says that yes, they do indeed round up on tax. I very politely insist that's not right. And he says if I want to come down to collect the difference, he'll give it to me (which is admittedly only 28 cents, but over time and many customers, that could be a lot of money). I say, no, I want it put back on my credit card. And I politely tell him again it doesn't seem right to overcharge everyone. He tells me that's my problem and then HANGS UP on me! Does anyone know if this is a reportable offense (no, not the asshole attitude, the overcharging of tax). I mean, why not just make the drink $11 if that's what you want to charge people?!?
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not only were the drinks $10 a piece, but the julip had about three sips worth of alcohol in it. the rest appeared to be ice. in my opinion, the only bar worth going to with a "social" in its name is Brooklyn.
Indeed the "julep" was served in a champagne flute, with mint in the bottom, a dash of another liquor, then topped to the brim with ice and then only a touch of champagne was needed to actually fill the glass. I'd say three sips of champagne tops. Much better, although I really am not feeling very loving towards Stanton Social, was the drink with rosemary infused Stoli Orange, tangerine and lemon juices and a sprig of rosemary as garnish.
you can start here http://www.newyork.bbb.org/
Forget the BBB, I am certain that they are breaking the law. This is a matter for the city--either Dept of Taxation or Consumer Affairs. Call 311 and they'll probably guide you to the right place.
they have to rip you off to pay their bills for the trendy (a-hem 2 years ago) slickster decor.. my suggestion- stick to the neighborhood dive. who can beat $3 pbr's? (and the ladies are hotter too).
If you get an STD from a hooker, do you sue her for amages? If you know a drink is going to cost 10 bucks, you have committed to being screwed, and if they end up screwing you, well heck, you asked for it. The 311 operator and state tax inspector have better things to do than waste time on your griping.
That is bullshit. This should be investigated by the IRS and the State tax authority.
In cases like that, simply "round down" the tip.
I agree, the bar's policy is ridiculous. You can't "round up" tax. Be a cranky customer. Complain! 311 would be a great place to start.
It is absolutely reportable, so please do call 311. Yes, it is a small thing, but it's still a fraud being perpetrated on the people of the city. And on visitors too. Thing how crappy this would make NYC look if you were from out of town!
i went there when it first opened and they actually charged the 8.625%. pretty comical to get coins back when paying for a drink. both this policy (of not including the tax in the $10) and 'rounding up' are bullshit
Weird.
Go up to a bar, get a drink, pay cash 5 bucks, 9 bucks..even steven, give a tip. No tax. Weird.
I've been in the bar business in NYC for almost thirty years, mostly on the LES. You're correct, the practice is illegal. Additionally, drinks served at the bar are not subject to 8.625% tax, only food and drink served at table. Your information should be reported to The NYS Liquor Authority, and the NYS Dept of Taxation.
They will indeeed deal with it post haste
sounds like frog has been with too many hookers.
A friend worked for the NYS Dept of Tax and Finance. I mentioned this and he said he had an audit a few years ago where a restaurant did the same thing. Instead of paying over the rounded up amount with his tax return, it went into his pocket. The audit cost the restaurant owner about $22,000 plus interest plus penalties. So, go ahead and give the tax dept a call.
God forbid they should include it in the $10!!! Fortunately, I'm a pothead and not much of a drinker, so i don't have to worry about getting it up the ass when I step to the bar in a trendy place like that. You could always waslk up to the Liquor Store on 4th & A, pick up a 5th of whatevah and order coke or juice and mix your own under the table. That's what I used to do when I had no money!!
Definitely report it!
You must not have been paying attention to most of your bills in the past because almost every bar and restaurant in the city that uses a handwritten check rounds up on tax. I think that may just be the way that it is.
One of the owners, Rich Wolf was involved in questionable practices at Angelo and Maxies a few years back.. Seems he thought service charges are mandatory not earned. A lawyer madse quite a fuss over this and caused a negative backlash. No surprise the unscrupulous Mr. Wolf is at it again ripping off customers. Call page 6 of the Post, they like to be there with the shallow celebrity sightings, might as well give them a taste of their own medicine. I am sure as one of the owners of Tao, this must be going on there as well. I guess rounding up helps them get to the 24 million in revenues they boast of. Maybe the State Dept. Of Taxation and IRS should audit all his places. Wonder what they could find. Go for it! He is an asshole egomaniac who trains his mangement in his own image.
weeeeiiiiiird. Don't sugercoat it, 'Frank'; tell us exactly how you feel. I agree that rounding up is shady (but practiced in lots of places), but you think you're getting a little to personal here? jeeeez louise. oh, and by the way the reason I came here to post was I was at the Stanton Social last night, and they did not round up anything. I guess the little people can claim a small victory! hooray!
huh ... my restaurants round the tax, too. we round it "off", not up, if you will. on $10 the tax is .86, so we make it .85.
on $22 the tax is 1.89, so we make it 1.90. THAT's the kind of rounding that NYC restaurants do. i just don't want to mess with pennies.
BTW, the NYC sales tax rate changed as of June 2005, it's now 8.395%