> For one, the server has no ability to set a price and has to accept whatever he's offered, even if it's zero. Nonsense. In most jurisdictions the server is g

> For one, the server has no ability to set a price and has to accept whatever he's offered, even if it's zero. Nonsense. In most jurisdictions the server is given full reign over the sale of alcohol. They are well and truly free to reject your request for a drink and there is nothing the venue can do about it. If you are not willing to pay their price, they most definitely can halt service. It is the cultural norm to assume that the customer will pay up in good faith, typically a percentage of the venue's take. Indeed, if you don't pay up they're probably not going to hunt you down. If most people stopped acting in good faith you might see things change, though. There is no obligation for the server to honour your alcoholic drink request. That is not so much the case for other items. You are right there. The very same server rejecting the sale of a perfectly good meal because you won't pay them would be grounds for them being ejected from the venue, but not so is the case for alcohol. Servers are considered independent operators when alcohol is involved. Which is why an independent operator fee, known as a tip, is paid. Hence why tipping originated around the sale of alcohol. Although you're right that would also apply to some medical doctor situations as they have the same right to reject service (although that may violate their ethics commitment, which does muddy the waters). The modern adaptation of throwing a bonus at the jug of oil you bought down at the auto shop, which may be your source of confusion, is something quite different. That's not really tipping, at least not in the historical sense.