Supporters say tip pool bill would make the service industry more equitable

HELENA — Service industry workers often rely heavily on tips, and in some restaurants, a portion of those tips are put into a pool that is then distributed to all employees.

Current Montana law says restaurant owners can’t force employees to contribute to the pool, but a bill in the Legislature would change that.

Supporters of Senate Bill 190, like Brad Griffin, president of the Montana Restaurant Association, said the bill would make restaurants more equitable workplaces.