I think waiters and waitresses should make AT LEAST minimum wage. My tip is also based on the service. I do not automatically tip a certain amount. If a waitress/waiter is good it is usually 20% and it goes up or down from there.
They always do. In some states, tip can't be used to credit minimum wage. That's how it is CA.
So, if server made $8/hr avg in tip and minimum wage is $9/hr, the employer is still on the hook for $9/hr.
In states that allow crediting, the employer would only be on the hook to cover the $1/hr difference.
In many places it can be. Regardless of where you go. The employer is required to cover the difference if tip earned and base rate do not add up to hours worked x minimum wage rate. As long as the employer is complying with the labor law, if you don't tip at all and the base rate is below minimum wage, the employer has to cover the difference and in the long run it just gets reflected into the product price.
In some places, servers make below minimum wage base.
Say $3/hr. If he makes a tip of $10/hr and minimum wage is $7/hr, I don't believe his employer has to pickup anything. On the other hand, if he makes no tip, his employer has to pay $4/hr +$3/hr to ensure the server is paid no less than minimum wage.