Massachusetts AG Fines Boston Zuma $1.8M For Illegal Tip Pool

Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell has fined the Boston restaurant Zuma and its manager Garrett Ronan more than $1.8 million for illegally including managers in a tip pool, violating state wage laws. The violation, which occurred between July 2022 and July 2024, involved managers with supervisory responsibilities receiving a share of pooled tips, a practice prohibited under Massachusetts law that limits tip sharing to service staff only. The investigation was prompted by an employee complaint and was conducted by the AGO’s Fair Labor Division. Some employees are set to receive up to $50,000 in unpaid wages and penalties as part of the restitution. AG Campbell emphasized the fine as part of a broader effort to protect workers from exploitation and ensure fair wage practices. Workers suspecting wage violations are encouraged to file complaints with the Attorney General's Office, which provides resources and support in multiple languages.