PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A popular local sports bar chain in Philadelphia is accused of illegally skimming tip money from its waitstaff.

A former bartender’s federal lawsuit claims Chickie’s and Pete’s outpost at Philadelphia International Airport took credit card fees out of its staff’s tips.

Andrew Laplante alleges he and other employees were forced to pay the bar 2 percent of their total credit-card receipts, in cash, after closing.

The lawsuit says that sometimes resulted in a 10 percent loss of the employee’s wages during the shift.

Chickie’s and Pete’s spokesman Kevin Feeley, won’t say whether the bar withheld any fees but says it treats employees fairly and with respect.

The U.S. Labor Department is investigating.

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