Restaurant revising policy after 6th-graders slapped with 'grade school' gratuity

SIMSBURY, Conn. — An elementary school student in Connecticut is speaking out about what he says is an unfair restaurant gratuity policy aimed at patrons his age.

Central Elementary School student Jacob Howes tells WFSB-TV he was dining with a fellow sixth-grader at Iron Horse Pizzeria and Sports Pub Sunday in Simsbury when they were surprised by a 15 percent gratuity on their bill.

He says the waitress then showed them that the menu has in small print gratuity may be added for large parties and "grade school customers." Howes says the policy is "kind of like profiling."

Restaurant owner Rob Bylykbashi says he put the rule in place because many of his young customers don't tip.

He says he is currently revising the policy.