Washington § 49.46.160 - Automatic service charges.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 49.46.160 — Automatic service charges., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 49.46.160. Automatic service charges.

(1) An employer that imposes an automatic service charge related to food, beverages, entertainment, or porterage provided to a customer must disclose in an itemized receipt and in any menu provided to the customer the percentage of the automatic service charge that is paid or is payable directly to the employee or employees serving the customer.
(2) For purposes of this section:
(a) "Employee" means nonmanagerial, nonsupervisory workers, including but not limited to servers, busers, banquet attendant, banquet captains, bartenders, barbacks, and porters.
(b) "Employer" means employers as defined in RCW 49.46.010 that provide food, beverages, entertainment, or porterage, including but not limited to restaurants, catering houses, convention centers, and overnight accommodations.
(c) "Service charge" means a separately designated amount collected by employers from customers that is for services provided by employees, or is described in such a way that customers might reasonably believe that the amounts are for such services. Service charges include but are not limited to charges designated on receipts as a "service charge," "gratuity," "delivery charge," or "porterage charge." Service charges are in addition to hourly wages paid or payable to the employee or employees serving the customer.
[ 2010 c 8 s 12046; 2007 c 390 s 1. Formerly RCW 19.48.130.]

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Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 49.46.160

What does Revised Code of Washington § 49.46.160 cover?

Section 49.46.160 ("Automatic service charges.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Washington § 49.46.160?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 49.46.160" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

How does Washington § 49.46.160 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Washington.