Kamala Harris and the Future of Tipping Policies

In New Hampshire, a critical discussion unfolded regarding the potential shifts in tipping policies proposed by Vice President Kamala Harris. Carl Soinski, president of the Table 301 Restaurant Group, shared insights on how changes in taxation and cashless payments have shaped the restaurant industry's landscape. Soinski highlighted the difficulties both employees and owners face due to evolving cash practices and IRS regulations. The proposal in 2023 would place the responsibility of monitoring tip reports on restaurant owners, creating a fraught dynamic between staff and management, where owners could feel like 'snitches' for the IRS. With a significant shift from cash tips to credit card tips, Soinski pointed out that many of these challenges could be alleviated through point-of-sale systems that streamline reporting for both employees and owners. He emphasized the importance of ensuring tips remain a significant part of earnings for servers, suggesting that transparent policies ultimately benefit everyone involved. Soinski advocates for a business environment where employees can thrive financially, moving beyond living paycheck-to-paycheck and pursuing home ownership as a path to generational wealth. This ongoing dialogue about tipping emphasizes the need for understanding and cooperation in adapting to new economic realities.