Bartenders and other service-industry workers absolutely prioritize good tippers. I was a valet-parking attendant in my 20s, which allowed me to pay my way through college, and you’d better believe we gave better service to the regulars who threw us a $20 on the way in. If a large function breaks and two guests hand you their claim check, one with a $5 and one with nothing else, who do you think is getting their car first?
confession, I actually dont have a high opinion about college-age kids who do valet parking :) you're never going to have a system where people aren't doing what you describe, someone's always going to slip them a 20 or whatever. how do you stop that?
Talking here about bartenders with a crowded bar to handle. They tend to be a little more mature and I've never had issues with bigger tippers making it impossible for me to get served.
