Large Party Gratuity Rant

Went out to eat with my parents in town. We have three kids total with two under 3, which made us a party of seven. Seven is also where “large party” starts at this particular restaurant. My rant is that because we had two toddlers, we sat at a normal booth (i.e. didn’t need any special accommodations like moving tables or a special seating area), and, we only ordered 5 meals since we brought food for my toddlers (they just don’t eat enough to justify a meal). We were still charged an extra 20% for it. Although I concede we were in fact 7 “people” and the restaurant had that prerogative, we did not require or utilize any accommodations of a large party, which I don’t even necessarily disagree with charging on principle. My dad paid (to his credit he is a generous tipper) and didn’t see the charge, adding another 20% himself! Glad I checked and told him before we left. He scratched it out and we left. My family wasn’t as upset about this as I was. Thank you for sharing this mutual frustration all, and here’s yet a reminder to check your receipts.