Salem Chamber urges No Vote on Question 5

Salem Chamber of Commerce Urges NO Vote on Question 5 to Support Local Restaurants and Employees

Salem, MA – The Salem Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors announced its opposition to Question 5 on the upcoming November ballot, encouraging a NO vote to protect the livelihood of local servers, bartenders, and neighborhood restaurants.

“We’ve heard directly from over 30 local restaurateurs and their staff, including both front-of-house and back-of-house employees, urging us to join the NO on 5 campaign,” said Rinus Oosthoek, Executive Director of the Salem Chamber of Commerce. “There is a clear and overwhelming opposition within our local restaurant community, from staff to management and ownership. The reasons are straightforward—this measure would lower the take-home pay of tipped employees, significantly increase costs for restaurants, and ultimately lead to higher prices for patrons. These impacts could result in job losses and even restaurant closures.”

Salem’s restaurant industry plays a vital role in the local economy, providing essential jobs and generating valuable tax revenue. George Carey, owner of Finz Seafood Restaurant and Sealevel Oyster Bar, emphasized that Question 5 is an external solution to a non-existent problem in Massachusetts. “This out-of-state ballot initiative doesn’t fit the needs of our state. Here in Massachusetts, all employees, including tipped workers, are guaranteed at least the state minimum wage, and we pay our employees well above that,” said Carey.

Kathi Turner of Turner Seafood highlighted the added pressures already facing the restaurant industry. “Coming off the challenges of the pandemic, and with ongoing increases in costs, this ballot initiative would place yet another burden on our local businesses. It is critical that Massachusetts voters fully understand the impact of this measure and vote NO on Question 5 to safeguard our local restaurants and the jobs they provide.”

For more information on the Salem Chamber’s position on Question 5, please contact the Salem Chamber of Commerce.