Please understand the difference between a "tip" jar and a "take a penny" jar. If you see a dish on a counter clearly labelled "Tips" this does not mean you can reach your hand in and take whatever you want if you are short on cash to pay for your purchase. Chances are, since I'm a very nice gal, that if you're short on change, I will offer to help you out by using our tip money. But please do not, without politely asking first, just reach in and take money that is not yours. Us folks in the food service industry work very long hours for very little money... our tips make it a little less sucky. (And I'm not saying you have to tip us... just please don't take the tips someone else has already given us!) —On Behalf of the Food Service Industry