1% restaurant tax may end

A proposal to remove most of a 1 percent sales tax now assessed on restaurant bills, and distribute the change as a slightly higher rate on other retail purchases, garnered unanimous support from a legislative committee Wednesday.

The Revenue and Taxation Interim Committee recommended draft legislation to enact the tax shift after proponents from the restaurant industry packed a meeting room at the Capitol.

While critics claimed the move would undermine the tourist marketing efforts the tax helps fund, supporters said the cut would help those who rely on the convenience of a restaurant meal.

"Eating out is not a luxury," said Greg Gruber, who operates six fast-food restaurants. "It is really a service that expedites our hectic current lifestyles."

— Arthur Raymond