[the_ancient]

On the Sales tax issue, the business does not have advertise the price including the tax because the business is not being charged the tax which if my understanding it correct differs from how the EU operate. The individual buying the coffee is being charged the tax by the government, the Business is acting as a pseudo government collection agent, forced to do so by law. In most states te business is infact paid a nominal fee to collect this tax on behalf of the government in most location it is very very minor but it is there

As to the not including Tip in the price, well that is because you the consumer set how much you tip, there is not possible way to include it. Outside of "large parties" I will not partake in business that charge a mandatory tip. I am likely one of the few people that actually tip based on the service I get, and I have walked away with out leaving a tip.

[rahimnathwani]

UK VAT is also a charge on the buyer, and just collected by the seller on the government's behalf. It is not a tax on the seller. But B2C businesses must advertise prices that include this tax.

[lucio]

So you're hiding from the consumer the fact that the govt is taxing 20% on your consumption. In the USA system, tax is clear and present. The difference in style can be associated to a republic vs monarchy style => citizens vs subjects