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Clark County’s Strip tipping notices draw concern from street performers
A county digital marquee telling visitors that tips are optional has prompted worry among some Las Vegas Strip performers who depend on donations. Others say it is too soon to tell whether the notices, installed over the weekend, are affecting their earnings.
LAS VEGAS — Clark County’s new digital marquee message that tipping is not required is drawing mixed reactions from street performers on the Strip, where tips can be a source of income for performers who entertain tourists.
The rotating notices went up over the weekend. County officials say the campaign is aimed at performers who pressure visitors for money, not at discouraging voluntary tips.
Adel, a performer who turned to the Strip for work after his Cirque du Soleil show was canceled during the COVID-19 pandemic, said he worries the message could reduce his earnings and affect his ability to support his family. Asked whether the sign could affect his income, he said it would.
Other performers said they had not seen a change. One, who said the signs had been visible for only two days, said their group was still doing all right and that any tip was welcome.
Some performers said aggressive requests by a minority can create problems for others who rely on donations. At La Sita Circus Group, performers say they present tips as donations and let the performance speak for itself.
The signs have also prompted criticism on social media, including comments from people who said the message could confuse visitors and hurt workers who rely on tips. One commenter claimed their tips had already fallen sharply, but that report was not independently verified.
Clark County Commissioner Michael Naft said the public-service message would remain in place as long as the county considers it helpful. Performers said it may take longer to determine whether the campaign has a lasting effect on their income.