In a letter today, ATR President Grover Norquist offered support for a proposal, Intro 0823-2018, from New York City Councilman Joseph Borelli which would allow restauraunts to make clear to patrons how much of the cost of their meal comes from city taxes.
To view a PDF of the letter Click Here, full text of the letter is below:
May 23, 2018
The Honorable Joseph Borelli
New York City Councilman, District 51
250 Broadway, 1551
New York, NY 10007
Dear Councilman Borelli,
I write on behalf of Americans for Tax Reform (ATR) in strong support of your proposal, Intro 0823-2018, which would allow restaurants in New York City to reveal to their patrons the costs imposed on them by government through taxes.
This is a commonsense measure that allows businesses to clearly communicate what drives the prices they must charge consumers – rather than being forced to hide costs that are driven up by government in the prices of their products.
The result would be more informed consumers, and citizens, who will have a better understanding of where their hard-earned money is going when they go out to enjoy New York City’s vibrant restaurant scene.
Restaurants in New York City face some of the highest taxes in the nation, and now are being squeezed by a dangerous, experimental $15 minimum wage. Jobs are at risk. Media reports indicate restaurants are already being negatively impacted by the rising minimum wage, which still has yet to hit the final $15-per-hour mark. These city policies, and more, drive up the operating costs of restaurants and prices for consumers. Businesses should be empowered to share these facts with their customers.
We applaud Council Members Cumbo and Powers for co-sponsoring this legislation. We urge all council members to support the restaurants in their districts, their employees, and customers by backing this proposal.
If you have any questions, please contact ATR State Projects Director Doug Kellogg at [email protected].
Onward,
Grover Norquist
President
Americans for Tax Reform