Coalition of Local Mayors and Business Owners Call for Lawmakers to ‘Save Main Street’ by Fixing the Meals Tax
Senate Bill 2 would return a portion of 1% meals and beverage tax directly to the municipalities where it was generated
HARTFORD, CONN. (March 27, 2026) – A coalition of hospitality business owners and municipal leaders today gathered at the State Capitol to call on lawmakers to save Connecticut’s Main Streets by fixing the state’s 1% meals tax. Members of the Connecticut Restaurant & Hospitality Association (CRHA) and the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM), alongside state elected leaders, advocated for the passage of Senate Bill 2 ahead of a public hearing on the bill.
The coalition highlighted a specific provision with the bill which would return half of the existing meals tax back to the municipalities where it is generated, and the other half to fund critical statewide tourism marketing and grants. Since a 2019 increase in the meals and beverage tax, approximately $100 million per year has been directed to the State’s General Fund. With the state now experiencing improved financial stability, the coalition of local leaders and small businesses argued that there is now an opportunity to reinvest in both local communities and the broader tourism sector.
“Restaurants and hospitality businesses are inherently local, which is why returning a meaningful portion of this revenue back to towns will benefit those municipalities, their residents, and their businesses,” said Scott Dolch, President & CEO of the CRHA. “We also know that tourism is a vital economic engine for Connecticut and a key driver of restaurant and hotel activity. Dedicating more funding to the Connecticut Tourism Fund ensures that our state can effectively market itself as a destination, attract visitors, and remain competitive with neighboring states.
"When a town builds a thriving hospitality sector, those local tax dollars should stay local to support the infrastructure and services that make that growth possible,” said Joe DeLong, Executive Director of CCM. "By returning these funds to municipalities, we empower local leaders to reinvest in the very streets that drive our economy, ensuring that the burden on local taxpayers is eased while our communities continue to flourish as vibrant destinations for residents and visitors alike. Fixing the meals tax will directly support the economic health of every one of Connecticut’s 169 towns.”
The press conference precedes a public hearing on SB-2, where a large turnout of hospitality professionals are expected to testify in support of the measure.
ABOUT CONNECTICUT RESTAURANT & HOSPITALITY ASSOCIATION
The Connecticut Restaurant & Hospitality Association is a full service, not-for-profit trade association dedicated to supporting every type and size of hospitality business (restaurant, hotel, caterer, inn and more). We are advocates for the Connecticut hospitality industry, a hub for information and a platform for networking. We commit ourselves to offering cost effective benefits and resources you need to run a profitable business. The industry plays an integral role in Connecticut’s economy employing more than 170,000 hospitality workers and generating more than $21 billion in annual sales. Along with the Connecticut Hospitality Educational Foundation (CHEF), the Association protects, advances, and educates the growing industry. Learn more at www.ctrestaurant.org.
CONTACT:
Katie Gerber | Connecticut Restaurant Association
gerber@ctrestaurant.org | 860-278-8008