DEAR ABBY: Perhaps you can settle a minor disagreement between a fellow bartender and me. I say it is impolite to remove a cash tip from the bar before a patron leaves. She, however, just grabs the money and counts it -- right in front of the customer. She thinks it's OK because the customer wants to be acknowledged and thanked.
Abby, I always thank my customers, whether they tip or not, and I think counting money in front of them sends a message that we value their gratuity more than their business.
What is the polite way to handle this? -- SHAKEN, NOT STIRRED IN MARCO ISLAND, FLA.
DEAR "S.N.S.": Your co-worker's technique makes me wonder if her acknowledgment is given on a sliding scale, commensurate with the tip. (Ten percent gets a nod. Fifteen percent gets a smile. Twenty percent and she says, "Come back soon!")
I prefer your more low-key and appropriate method -- and it isn't even close.