From reader Peg Massey:

"I have become aware, after speaking with two waitresses, one at a major high-end restaurant overlooking the harbor and another at a small neighborhood restaurant-bar, that patrons think these ladies receive a salary from the establishment. Oh yes, the salary is about $3 an hour, and their pay is from their tips and they are required to "tip out" to the bartender & busboy. 

"Yes, I know that some wait staff are not up to snuff but this is rare & not the case in these instances. Examples:

"1. The elderly that come with an Entertainment coupon. It is a nightmare! Picky, picky, picky. The food is never good (even tho they clean their plate) they are demanding, not nice to the waitress & they tip only on the dicounted food & continue to berate the waitress & leave a penny on the table or a dollar for each person at the table. They need to get out of the 40's & 50's. 

"2. At the upscale restaurant, one would think that the clientele would tip minimum of 20% which is acceptable. But to walk-out & not pay at all or  pay $7 on a $240 check is absolutely unacceptable after the waitress was polite, served the food & drinks timely.

"People must understand that being a waitress is not always what it seems. One is a gainfully employed waitress who works for some cash to get over the hump, monthly (her new job is great but she had to take a $400 cut monthly to get into the system with great benefits & the other is trying to save money to go to school). Come on Baltimore, if you can't afford the price of a full meal with tip, stay home. I am a senior, on a limited income. I budget for outings with friends & I always tip 20% or more."