With a customer base that's spending less in the face of a cost-of-living crisis and rising operational costs (including higher rents and energy prices, a VAT rate of 20%, and increases in National Living Wage and National Insurance contributions), restaurant owners are watching profit margins get thinner and thinner. Richard H. Turner of Bodean's broke it down like this: "25 years ago, you would be trying to hit a 20% net profit.
The "Big, Beautiful Bill" exempts the first $25,000 of a qualifying worker's annual tips from income taxes, prompting employers to encourage tips more aggressively.
We have to take this very, very seriously, said Councilmember Marilyn Librers, who recalled that in the late 90s, tight budgets forced the city to shut down several programs and services. This polarized the community and impacted public trust. Tackling this issue now is critical to ensure we don't repeat that history.
House Republicans worked through the night to pass a $4.5 trillion tax breaks package championed by Speaker Mike Johnson, overcoming internal skepticism and unified support."
The increased payroll taxes are one element of President William Ruto's desperate bid to raise revenue to keep the government running and pay off Kenya's staggering foreign debt.