Azzurri Group, operator of Zizzi and ASK Italian restaurants, has now announced that it will remove in November this year the 8% administration fee on tips made by electronic card payments. The decision comes as part of an ongoing broader review of all pay, rewards and benefits, which commenced earlier this year when Azzurri Group underwent a change of ownership.
100% of all tips to go to staff
There are 249 Zizzi and ASK Italian restaurants across the UK, employing 5000 people and serving 14 million customers a year. The new tipping policy will see 100% of all tips go to staff. The wider review of the way staff are rewarded, which will also include plans for the introduction of the National Living Wage, is expected to be completed by the end of October.
Steve Holmes, CEO of Azzurri Group, commented:
“We wholeheartedly believe our employees are an essential part of our business and have always sought to reward them fairly. Our team members are crucial in delivering unparalleled customer service and ensuring that every customer’s experience at Zizzi and ASK Italian is a great one.
“The review into staff pay and benefits that begun earlier this year demonstrates our commitment to be recognised as a company that values and rewards our staff for their fantastic skills, loyalty and hard work.
“As a leader in the casual dining sector, we are wholly committed to following best practice as well as leading the way for other players in the industry.”
ASK Italian and Zizzi have supported and complied with the British Hospitality Association’s voluntary code of conduct in relation to tipping and service charges. These guidelines were developed in 2009 in partnership with the government of the day and restaurant businesses including Zizzi and Ask Italian. The restaurants’ policies and procedures in relation to tipping and service charges are publicly available on their websites.