Some workers have seen their wages increase thanks to a ballot initiative D.C. voters passed last year. Still, they worry about full implementation if it means people stop tipping.

D.C. Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie’s bill is almost as contentious as Initiative 82, the measure that ends the District’s tipped minimum wage.

At-Large Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie and Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen take aim at service charges, which have become increasingly popular among owners who say they’re responding to increased operating costs.

The Office of the Attorney General sent over 2,400 letters about best practices for fees. But the notice didn’t go over well with everyone.

Employers with tipped workers will have to pay $6 per hour beginning in May 2023, and $8 starting in July 2023.

Restaurant owners and advocates are considering lobbying the D.C. Council for legislative changes that could help offset the costs of phasing out the tipped wage.

The vote in favor of Initiative 82 fundamentally changes the way employers pay their tipped workers. 

Most D.C. bars and restaurants do not report tipped wage data to the D.C. government, according to an analysis from pro Initiative 82 groups. But the local restaurant industry says the government hasn’t created the tip portal that helps their payroll companies submit data.

What exactly is the tipped wage, how will Initiative 82 change it, and how will that impact bars and restaurants? Read here for all the answers you need ahead of casting your ballot.

Restaurant owners and workers are in disagreement about what their industry looks like if D.C. phases out tipped wage, including whether the service charge becomes ubiquitous.