a major victory on no on 5!
Thank you to everyone who supported and helped spread the word on voting no on 5!
Election Day is Finally over. Here are some of the Massachusetts winners and losers.
Winner: Massachusetts restaurateurs Question 5 on Tuesday’s ballot would have seen the minimum wage for tipped workers in the state to $15 per hour. However, Massachusetts voters rejected the measure, which was met with stiff opposition in the local restaurant industry. |
Proponents of the initiative had raised concerns in recent years about underpayment and wage theft and hoped the state’s progressive voter base would get on board. Opponents claimed the ballot measure would ultimately depress earnings for 120,000 workers by reducing their tips, and spell doom for some businesses that already struggle with the ballooning costs of ingredients and labor.
Opposition came from multiple quarters, with many individual bartenders and servers opposing the proposal. Additionally, restaurants throughout Greater Boston pasted placards at their establishment rejecting the idea. Additionally, donations from the Massachusetts Restaurant Association and individual restaurateurs to the “no” campaign far outdistanced financial contributions from the “yes” camp.
Massachusetts Restaurant Association president and CEO Stephen Clark and his organization advocated against the passage of Question 5.
During the past year, the Committee to Protect Tips, which opposed the question, spent $2.2 million. One Fair Wage, a group in support of the question, by contrast, spent just over $650,000 during the same timeframe.
The campaign against the question apparently resonated with voters. With 93 percent of Massachusetts precincts reporting, almost two thirds of voters voted “no.”
Opposition came from multiple quarters, with many individual bartenders and servers opposing the proposal. Additionally, restaurants throughout Greater Boston pasted placards at their establishment rejecting the idea. Additionally, donations from the Massachusetts Restaurant Association and individual restaurateurs to the “no” campaign far outdistanced financial contributions from the “yes” camp.
Massachusetts Restaurant Association president and CEO Stephen Clark and his organization advocated against the passage of Question 5.
During the past year, the Committee to Protect Tips, which opposed the question, spent $2.2 million. One Fair Wage, a group in support of the question, by contrast, spent just over $650,000 during the same timeframe.
The campaign against the question apparently resonated with voters. With 93 percent of Massachusetts precincts reporting, almost two thirds of voters voted “no.”
new england restaurant & bar show 2024 highlights
View the highlight reel on the two-day New England Restaurant & Bar Show featuring 300+ exhibitors and brands, pavilions, networking, feature areas, and dozens of culinary demos and education sessions. See you on March 30-31, 2025!
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Check out the video below to see all the MRA has to offer!
Check out the video below to see all the MRA has to offer!
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together we win podcast - november 2024 episode
Cheers to the Industry: Exploring Alcohol Trends with Experts
Join Together We Win hosts Steve Clark, President of the MRA, and Kerry Miller, Vice President, as they explore the fascinating world of alcohol in the hospitality industry. This month, they’re joined by two esteemed guests: Rhonda Kallman, founder of Boston Harbor Distillery, who shares the art and science of crafting spirits, and Ryan Dion of 110 Grill, RA Ventures and more who provides insights into what’s selling and why. From production to consumer trends, this episode is packed with valuable insight for anyone in the industry—or anyone who loves a good drink!
Listen on Apple or Spotify.
Listen on Apple or Spotify.
All Episodes Available On Demand!
Watch previous episodes on YouTube and listen to previous episodes on Spotify and Apple.
Watch previous episodes on YouTube and listen to previous episodes on Spotify and Apple.
healthcare benefit to help your bottom line
Any mid-size MA restaurant (50 employees or fewer) can take advantage of purchasing affordable quality healthcare plans with the Health Connector for Business.
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