Tip pooling policy template (free, editable)
Adapt this to your restaurant and have it checked against your state's rules before you use it. Many employers give staff a copy and keep a signed acknowledgement.
Template
[Restaurant name] tip pool policy — effective [date]
- Who participates. The following roles share in the tip pool: [Server, Bartender, Busser, Runner, Host]. Managers and supervisors do not receive from the pool.
- Which tips are pooled. [Credit/debit card tips / declared cash tips / automatic gratuities] from all participating employees are pooled. [Service charges are / are not] included.
- Pool period. Tips are pooled [per day / per shift (lunch until 4 pm, dinner after) / per week].
- How shares are calculated. Each shift's share = hours worked × role points. Points: [Server 1, Bartender 1, Busser 0.5, Runner 0.5, Host 0.25].
- Hours. Hours come from the [POS / scheduling app] time clock. Missed clock-outs are corrected by a manager before tips are calculated.
- Payment. Card tips are paid [on each paycheck / daily]. Cash tips are paid [at the end of each shift / on each paycheck].
- Records. A tip report showing each pool and each employee's share is kept for [3] years and available to any participating employee on request.
- Questions. Ask [name/role]. Changes to this policy will be given in writing at least [7] days in advance.
Employee acknowledgement: ____________________ Date: __________
Turn the policy into numbers
Set the same points and pool period in Tiptrail and every pay period's split follows the policy exactly, with a report you can show staff.
Last reviewed 2026-10-27. Software menus and labor rules change — confirm with the vendor's help center and your state labor department. Not legal or payroll advice.