re: Tipping is out of control in America - can we abolish it?

I'd worry about the unintended consequences of abolishing tipping, beyond just the incentive to not give good service.

It would cause bars/restaurants to question their business hours. In all but the busiest of urban/tourist centers it would become cost prohibitive to be open during non-peak times. Bar drinking for shift workers, degenerates, and people that just want a dang beer at 3:16pm on a Tuesday would be a thing of the past.