Exclusive: The D.C. Restaurant Association Aims to Kill Initiative 82

Axios | by Anna Spiegel | March 28, 2025

Why it matters: I-82, which eliminates the tipped minimum wage, is among the most controversial laws recently passed in D.C. — and now, nearly three years into its implementation, many argue the system isn't working and needs to be reevaluated.

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Context: The I-82 increase comes at a uniquely turbulent time in D.C. when food and operational costs are spiking, and restaurant patronage is slumping as people worry about spending and job security amid Trump's federal government cuts.

• A recent RAMW poll of over 200 full-service restaurants revealed that 44% are considering closing this year — a sliver of the association's 1,500 members, but a "snapshot of what the industry is fearing and facing," says Townsend.

• In the same survey, nearly half (49%) said they saw fewer diners, while 47% reported lower sales last year.