I would happily pay higher food prices to avoid tipping culture.
Tipping culture simply doesn't exist in most of the world, and Americans who can't imagine a world without it here have no vision.
Nobody does this, even if you're a "horrible" customer and a poor tipper. If you're a bad regular at a restaurant, the front of house will probably grumble about you behind your back (maybe even give you a rude nickname) and give you curt service, though.
EDIT: They have probably dealt with much worse than you. You're not a church brunch group demanding 20 lemons and a jar of sugar packets that tips them in fake $100 Jesus bills.
I might actually prefer that. The fake smiling creeps me out.
Make it a seamless experience (single tap) and charge enough to cover costs plus profits plus a good wage and I'm happy to support.
> The only reason I continue to tip is the knowledge that my food will be spat in / worse if I don't.
I know this is anecdotal, but I have worked in many places that serve food/drinks & take tips. I have never seen someone get their food spat in. The places where tips are most expected, restaurants with wait staff + bars, ask for tips at the end of service. All other places don't have the expectation of tips beyond it being nice to get one.
If you're known to not tip, you're at risk of this behavior.
It's far worse with things like UberEATS. Your paying the driver to not eat your fries and sip your drink
One time, my drink from UberEATS had a line of lipstick on the rim of the straw. I guess I should have tipped more.
Any business with any sense should immediately fire such employees or risk losing customers.
[It’s more usual to pay for drinks one at a time in Uk bars, and unusual to tip if not eating a meal.]