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

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.