By Lara Louder

The art of tipping can be tricky, but is it truly a more difficult task for people in Logan than people in other parts of the country? Do people here honestly believe that up to 10 percent of the bill is a sufficient tip, or do they just not know how to tip appropriately?

The truth is, and most servers in Logan agree, that diners here typically tip less then diners in other parts of the country. It is a fact that the majority of people in Logan are members of the LDS Church and in order to be a loyal member one must pay a sum of 10 percent of all earnings to the church. It has been overheard in the serving world of Logan that some people feel a server of food should not be tipped more then a religious organization.

What these people do not realize is that servers depend solely on the tips they earn, unlike the church. Servers in Utah earn $2.13 an hour and most, because of taxes, usually receive paychecks equaling zero. If a server receives four tables an hour -- each bill totaling $20 and receiving tips of only 10 percent (some people still tip less) -- the server makes $8 an hour. Keep in mind that the server must pay the bar 2 percent, the hostess 5 percent, and the buser 10 percent of total food and liquor sales. This doesn't leave much left over for the server.

Many diners do not know these facts and perhaps this is why they leave such crummy tips. Or maybe they were taught that tipping isn't important, or maybe they have been tipping 10 percent since 1975 and haven't noticed that things have changed.

Whether you are tipping in Logan or Atlanta, an appropriate tip is 15 percent to 18 percent of your bill, in most cases. If the restaurant is fancier or if you or someone in your party has made any special food or drink requests, it is appropriate to tip at least 20 percent. It is appropriate to leave a 10 percent or below tip only if the service is not satisfactory. Please keep these facts in mind next time you are dining out: servers depend on your tips for their financial survival.