The Las Vegas Strip lights up at sunset in Las Vegas, Nev., on Sunday, Aug. 23, 2020. (Photo By Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
Aggressive tipping demands from costumed performers on the Las Vegas Strip have prompted local authorities to warn tourists that paying for street performances or character photos is optional.
What they're saying:
Digital messages began appearing on Strip billboards Friday, Oct. 16, reminding visitors that tipping is not required. "When watching performances or taking a photo, tipping is NOT required," the signs read, according to FOX5 Las Vegas.
Clark County officials said the campaign is not intended to discourage voluntary tips. Instead, it targets performers who pressure visitors for money or falsely claim that tipping is mandatory, FOX5 reported.
"It negatively impacts the economic lifeblood of not just Clark County — but the entire state tax base is dependent on the Las Vegas Strip," Clark County Commissioner Michael Naft told FOX5.
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Fox News Digital reached out to Clark County for further comment.
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Is tipping at a tipping point?
Traditionally, 15 percent was an average tip, with 20 percent for excellent service. Now, the suggested tips on many restaurant bills include 22 percent, 25 percent and even 30 percent. As FOX News correspondent Jonathan Serrie reports, it's a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The backstory:
The warnings followed a tipping dispute involving costumed showgirls that allegedly turned violent.
Two visitors from North Carolina stopped to take photos with three women dressed as showgirls outside Planet Hollywood on Sept. 30. The tourists paid a $20 tip, according to a previous Fox News Digital report.
After the visitors began walking away, performer Jennifer Ortiz allegedly followed them and demanded between $60 and $180 for the photos, according to an arrest report. The confrontation escalated into a fight that injured both tourists.
Police said one visitor was struck more than 22 times and suffered a nearly 2-inch cut to the forehead after Ortiz allegedly hit the person with a high-heeled boot.
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Ortiz and another performer, Magdellena Romero, were arrested. Ortiz was charged with battery and obtaining money under false pretenses involving less than $1,200. Romero was charged with battery.
Local perspective:
The effort to address tipping pressure has drawn reactions from travelers and Las Vegas residents online.
"Good, it is getting a little crazy," one Reddit user wrote. "I am glad they are clamping down after that brawl a couple of weeks ago."
Another commenter said aggressive tipping demands have been a problem for years and recalled seeing costumed performers pressure tourists for money.
Some users also shared advice for avoiding uncomfortable encounters with performers.
"Best advice is not to engage them," one commenter wrote.
The Source: FOX News contributed to this report. The story is based on reporting from FOX5 Las Vegas, statements from Clark County officials and Commissioner Michael Naft, a police arrest report, and previous Fox News Digital reporting about the alleged showgirl confrontation. It also includes reactions and comments posted by Las Vegas residents and travelers on Reddit. This story was reported from Los Angeles.