Where else can money get you?
I've refused bribes for special service before but I've accepted a few. I really like a huge tip on the front end and then being asked but I'll still say no without pause if I don't want to risk trouble with the boss or the authorities or I don't like the person. I mostly get offered money to keep the bar open illegally late for small groups, I mostly say no.
Perhaps. It's not an illegal practice. They may have had more attempts after the article, but that could also just allow the people taking the bribes to raise the minimum requirement. Depends on how the owners/managers of the restaurant feel about the practice. If they consider it "just part of the business" - as they may - then they could turn a blind eye.
I had this shit on paper No, seriously. For the longest time I was trying to figure out how to bind my Gourmets. I had them from '98 to '06 or so. Then they put it all online and what was the point? other than the ads. What I wonder is if I still have the bound copies I stole from an ex-girlfriend. I had all of '74, '75 and some of '76. I think I don't. The ads were amazing. To the subject at hand: When it mattered I had a list of 15-20 restaurants that were pretty awesome. I'd call around until I found one with a cancellation. Never had to bribe my way in anywhere. Of course now I'm in LA and there's no goddamn point. Los Angeles: Where you can pay $90 for a $30 dinner.
I use money to make me money all the time. I call it a "revenue share" though instead of a "bribe."