Dear Editor:

As a frequent visitor to Aspen, I am mortified that the Aspen waitstaff consistently and without fail asks me if I need change when I pay cash for my bill. As someone who worked in the hospitality industry for several years, I feel it my duty to inform you that asking me if I need/want change is a sure way to decrease your gratuity.

It is your job to go get my change, no matter how little, when I pay cash for my bill. If I do not want change, I will tell you to "keep the change."

I am not sorry that you are inconvenienced to do your job and go get my change from the till/bar/manager. Please stop asking me this rude and unnecessary question. You most likely don't deserve a $15 tip on my $25 bill anyway.

The more appropriate thing to say is "Thank you for dining with us today; I will be right back with your change."

That is all.

Margaret Daugherty

Grand Junction