The vast majority of all Jamaican businesses would never have a service charge. As with many countries, Jamaicans normally do not tip nor expect to get one.
Because of the growth of tourism, tipping entered the mix and began to pose some problems.
The American version of tipping can create a huge disparity in wages. To give a single server a 10 to 20% tip creates serious inequities, especially when everyone knows that many other workers contributed. This is why the concept of a service charge was created.
A service charge is not a mandatory practice, but a voluntary one.
Businesses are given the choice to enact the charge as a way to reward all workers during a busy period, such as the tourism high season. This increases the price of the final bill, but the increase goes directly to all the hourly employees.
You are still free to give your server a tip should you desire. Rest assured that your tip is greatly appreciated.
But a service charge allows the business to provide a steady wage year round, and at the same time give all the workers a "bonus" when times get busy.
It is noted with the prices on a restaurant menu or on your hotel's "fine print". It will then be shown on the bill and receipt along with the taxes.
