Court: Owners of shops with clear no-tipping policies can keep the change left for workers

BOSTON – The highest court in Massachusetts says shop owners can keep tips left for workers if their businesses have policies against tipping.

The state Supreme Judicial Court ruled Friday that where a no-tipping policy has been clearly communicated to customers any money left behind as a tip can be kept by the owner or put in a cup of abandoned change for other customers.

The ruling came in a case brought by current and former employees of a Dunkin' Donuts franchisee.

The court also ruled if an employer hasn't communicated a no-tipping policy then tips left by customers belong to the workers who served them.

The court found the state's Tips Act cannot be interpreted as a requirement that employers must allow customers to leave tips if they want.