The violations of the long existing social contract that dictates the need for businesses to begin auto grat is annoying.

It isn't a simple solution. Workers need to be able to afford the rising rents. Businesses are paying higher rents, higher utilities, higher wages (in back of house), higher food costs.

I had a discussion with a server about affordable housing and it was very disturbing. How much it costs vs their tips for the week.

$4k in sales $550 in tips $200 in wages before tax/tip out (12% tips for that 32hr week). This restaurant pays $7 server wage where $15 is already minimum and also offers a daily meal credit for all staff. (Approximate numbers)

A 1 bedroom apartment is $1500 per month or 50% gross income. Doesn't work if the apartment requires 3x income to qualify. (Haven't even talked about health insurance)

So yes, a 18-20% auto grat would stabilize that servers income. And the only people penalized are those who are violating the social contract for dining out.