And with inflation, I can’t afford to tip. If I to go to a bar I budget for it, but these minimum tip barriers preventing me from tipping without breaking the bank lead to me saying no tip if they wont allow me to customize it.

That said I go to a bar once a year now because of the cost. I mostly hit this BS on the rare occasion I need to drive my wife to a doctors appointment and I stop at Starbucks or the closest coffee shop and get a brewed coffee. They take thirty seconds to pour a cup and pass it to me and then expect a 25% tip. Meanwhile their CEO flies his personal jet to work everyday.

I tip at bars because servers are providing an experience. But even then, if i cant get the persons attention for half the night, and they are just on their cellphone talking to the bartender… no tip. I worked in bars. I watch. I reward good service. I wont reward half-assery.