Viewpoint: Why D.C. must repeal Initiative 82

Washington Business Journal / By Shawn Townsend – Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington | May 14, 2025

When voters passed I-82 in 2022, it started a clock on the elimination of D.C.’s tip wage — a system that tipped servers support because it ensures they make at least the minimum wage, while often making far more through tips. In the best of times, the initiative would have been a challenge for restaurant operators, but the implementation has been a disaster.

The Council has the power — and responsibility — to address the unintended consequences of I-82.