By Madison Butkus
Hometown Weekly Reporter
During this year’s Presidential Election, Massachusetts voters had the opportunity to decide on one high-profile ballot measure, which would raise the state’s minimum wage for tipped workers until it meets the state minimum wage in 2029 and still permit tipping in addition to the minimum wage. For some local businesses, the passing of this bill may have put them out of business, and causing owners and staff to spread the word in hopes that voters would vote No on Question 5.
Across the state of Massachusetts, the majority of voters were in agreement to not pass this bill and ultimately voted against it with a current status of 64% No versus 36% Yes. According to Boston.com, the defeat of Question 5 “marked a win for the state’s restaurant association, restaurant owners, and many employees who opposed the measure.”
Both before and after the election, many of the local restaurant businesses seen around town additionally took to their social media pages to encourage voters to not pass this bill and ultimately thank them for their efforts. Tessie’s Bar & Kitchen, located in Walpole, MA, posted on their Instagram page a photo of a golden retriever named Charlie sitting in front of a Question 5 sign with the words “Thank You!” written on the photo. For the caption they wrote, “Question 5 fails! However you are feeling this morning, WE are celebrating OUR efforts and our small win here in Massachusetts! We are so grateful for all the support you, our wonderful friends, have shown us. Thank you for showing up, casting your ballot and letting folks know that we are doing things quite alright here in the Commonwealth!”
21North Restaurant, located in Medfield, MA, also took to their Instagram page to post a “Together We Can Save Jobs by Voting No on 5” photo. The caption stated, “Protect local restaurants like 21North and vote NO on Question 5. The majority of those who would be affected by this law do NOT support it. Tipped workers are already guaranteed the minimum wage. A yes vote would force tipped workers to share their hard earned tips with everyone in the restaurant. A NO vote lets them keep their tips. … Thank you for your support!”
Adding to this list was The Common Room, located in Needham, MA, who posted on Election Day a photo promoting their Taco Tuesday special. In the caption they wrote, “Today’s To-Do List: 1. Vote NO on Question 5, 2. Come to the Common Room for Taco Tuesday!”
Regardless if restaurants posted on their social media accounts about the importance of voting No on Question 5 or not, it was very apparent how strongly those working in the restaurant industry felt about this bill. When talking with local restaurant owners after the bill had not passed, all were thankful that people got out and voted to save their businesses.
