Morristown Restaurant Customer Refuses Tip Due To COVID Rules

MORRISTOWN, NJ — Restaurants have economically struggled during the coronavirus pandemic. One customer at a Morristown establishment didn't help, leaving no tip and expressing frustrations about COVID-19 regulations.

A photo from an anonymous Morristown business owner circulated on social media, showing a tip of "Zero" on an $86.37 bill. The customer wrote the following: "I'm sorry the server gets screwed on this. Don't kick paying customers out after 90 mins."

The photo gained traction on the Facebook group Morristown Stimulus Plan, which has promoted small businesses during the pandemic. The morristown.nj Instagram page — not officially affiliated with the town — shared the photo along with the business owner's message.

"We are struggling to make a living after being shut down for months and still aren’t operating at full capacity," the anonymous message said. "We have adapted the best we can to serve our community. We would all love to be back to 'normal' where we don’t have to follow so many rules but sadly this is life during the pandemic.

"This is a reminder to be kind and respectful to your servers, we are all trying to do our best to ensure that you have a safe and good time while out. Thanks to everyone in our community who has been supportive and generous during these times."

New Jersey lifted indoor-dining capacity last month to 50 percent. But Gov. Phil Murphy said March 22 he would stall the timeline on reopenings because of the emergence of COVID-19 variants in the region. Read more: Gov. Murphy: Surge In COVID Variants In NJ Will Delay Reopenings

It's become commonplace at restaurants nationwide to limit each customer's times for dining and drinking, so they can serve more patrons while meeting capacity.

Although the Morristown customer didn't like the rule, they indirectly inspired some generosity. Social media pages around Morristown raised at least $1,500 for the server.

During the pandemic, several initiatives emerged to aid struggling Morristown restaurants and businesses. Town officials pushed the "Adopt a Morristown Business" campaign, in which dozens of establishments created GoFundMe pages to help make winter's rent.

The Morristown Partnership also extended restaurant week to "Restaurant Month." More than 25 restaurants and businesses will offer special menus, coupons and promotions throughout April. Read more: No More Restaurant Week: April Is Morristown Restaurant Month

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