MAJOR VICTORY FOR OHIO'S RESTAURANT & HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY

COLUMBUS, Ohio – July 3 was a victory for Ohioans and Ohio’s restaurant and hospitality community. The failure to submit enough signatures to eliminate the tipped wage, which is so valued by servers and bartenders, is a clear indication that Ohioans do not want outside special interest groups such as One Fair Wage changing our state’s constitution.

Ohio servers and bartenders make an average of $27 per hour and in a survey of nearly 1,000 Ohio tipped workers, 93% made it clear they want to keep the current tipping system. Maintaining the tipped wage allows restaurant operators to avoid being forced to raise menu prices and eliminate positions, which keeps Ohio’s hospitality community vibrant for Ohio towns, villages and neighborhoods and for guests visiting their favorite eateries.

The Ohio Restaurant & Hospitality Alliance is thankful Ohioans understand the economic importance of a thriving restaurant and hospitality industry in our state and appreciate the clear message to outside special interest groups that we deeply value and stand by our restaurant community and hospitality professionals in Ohio.