Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Historic Diners topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Senate committee advances bill offering tax breaks for long-running diners
Summary
The Senate Economic Growth Committee amended and released S2165, the "Saving Our Diners and Preserving Our Past Act," creating a registry and yearly tax benefits for restaurants in continuous operation at least 25 years, including sales-tax exemption for on-premise food and a tax credit up to $25,000.
Chairwoman Cruz Perez's Senate Economic Growth Committee on Monday amended and released Senate Bill 2165, known as the Saving Our Diners and Preserving Our Past Act, a measure sponsors say would help preserve long-standing diners and family restaurants.
Sponsor Sen. Maiori said the legislation would do three things: exempt qualifying restaurants from sales tax on food and beverage consumed on the premises, provide owners with an annual tax credit up to $25,000 for food-preparation ingredients, and enroll approved businesses on a state tourism registry that includes a marketing plaque. "This bill is really about saving something that I see dwindling in our state," Maiori said, arguing diners are "part of the DNA of New Jersey."
Industry representatives and several diner owners registered support and waived formal testimony. Amanda Stone of the New Jersey Restaurant and Hospitality Association testified that the association "appreciate[s] the intent" and supports measures to help family-owned restaurants.
Committee procedures then moved the bill forward. A motion to amend and release S2165 was made by Senator Corrado and seconded by Chair Cruz Perez; roll call recorded affirmative votes from Senator Corrado, Senator McKeon (left vote), and Chair Cruz Perez, and the committee amended and released the bill.
The committee record notes the bill requires the Division of Taxation to solicit applications and issue sales-exemption and tax-credit certificates and that the registry would be updated annually. The measure is now prepared for further legislative consideration.
