'We will not be able to survive' | DC bar owner says Initiative 82 could force layoffs

WUSA9 | By Katie Lusso, Shad Berry | May 5, 2025

One of the key reasons for the shutdown, Tomelden explained, was Initiative 82. While intended to support laborers, Tomelden said the change added pressure to already tight payrolls.

"I didn't navigate it quite well enough," he admitted. "What you have to do is you have to cut people. That's the only way to make payroll. And... there were nobody that I wanted to cut."