thavoice;1371062 wrote:
If ya wanted to open a tab you gave them your CC, which I have seen before, but then issued you a card that when you got drinks they just swiped it and whatever you got goes onto that card. When you wanna cash out they swipe it to see how much you bought and then ya pay it off. Guess that is a way this doesnt happen much....or i bet was put into place so barkeeps didnt forget to mark drinks that were purchased
Theoretically it sounds good, and I guess it does give you the chance to keep a constant review of your tab. However, if it's not detailed or you don't see how much they actually ring you up for it still presents the same issue of being charged for drinks you didn't order, or the wrong price.
Again my experience has been, even for modest tabs ($40-$50), that they typically give you a free drink or two. I'm sure I'm not alone in rewarding good service and a lower than expected tab, and I'd bet smart bartenders/waitresses know this as well. Unless they are a part-owner, they have absolutely no incentive to overcharge drinks (actually a counter-incentive). Now, maybe unscrupulous ones that are on notice for too many freebies try to offset those by overcharging someone else.