Fairfax Families and Workers Against the Food Tax Launches Advocacy Campaign Against Local Tax Proposal

Fairfax voters have already rejected a proposed meal tax twice, most recently in 2016. Area restaurants,
their teams, and the community at-large now rallies together again to fight the tax being considered by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.

FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA – The organization Fairfax Families and Workers Against the Food Tax is launching a countywide advocacy campaign to remind the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors that the voters of Fairfax do not want a tax on prepared food across the County.

On May 31st, Chairman McKay directed County staff to prepare a presentation on the fiscal impact of a possible tax on prepared foods of up to six percent. That presentation will be made at the September 17th meeting of the Budget Committee with the expectation that the Board will advertise an ordinance that allows a meals tax in Fairfax County at a 2024 Board Meeting.

Fairfax voters decisively rejected the tax at the ballot box twice, most recently in 2016. However, the Virginia General Assembly has since removed the requirement for such tax increases to be approved by voters. Now, only a simple majority vote by the Board stands between Fairfax diners and this unwelcome up to 6% addition to their bills.

“This tax increase comes at a critical time for both Fairfax’s diners and restaurateurs,” said Waria Salhi, owner of Mezeh Mediterranean Grill. “Industry studies show that rising prices are driving customers away, forcing them to make tough choices about dining out. We’re also struggling with the impact of inflation.”

The proposed meals tax comes when the industry is already grappling with higher costs for labor, rent, utilities, food, meat, chicken, and credit card fees. “Restaurants typically operate on a slim three to five percent profit margin,” Salhi added. “To stay in business, we must adjust our prices to cover these increases. Adding another two to six percent in taxes will significantly hurt our business and could impact Fairfax diners even more.”

Duk Man Kim, owner of Jang Won Restaurant in Annandale, agrees with the notion that this tax could be extremely detrimental to small businesses in Fairfax County. “Small restaurants like mine are at great risk from a food tax. We do not have the luxury of operating on a large scale, or in multiple jurisdictions,” said Kim. “Making ends meet as a business owner versus having to close often comes down to small variations in customer traffic. Having to raise the price for consumers on their bill due to the County pushing this tax will make task even harder.”

Fairfax Families and Workers Against the Food Tax has launched a website that allows voters to share their thoughts on the tax proposal. Visit www.stopthefoodtax.com to learn more.

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Fairfax Families and Workers Against the Food Tax is a non-profit organization made up of restaurateurs,
their teams, and the community at-large setup to advocate against the institution of a tax on prepared
foods in Fairfax County