Now, this legislation is worthwhile to my way of thinking…
A group of New Jersey lawmakers are seeking preserve one of our most beloved traditions…the diner.
Assembly Bill A6283, the “Saving Our Diners and Protecting Our Past Act,” will establish an annual registry for historic diners and restaurants and grant certified establishments with key financial incentives. These will include a sales and use tax exemption and state income and business tax credits to be applied to a portion of ingredient costs.
Under the proposal, the Department of State’s Division of Travel and Tourism in the would create a yearly Historic Diner and Restaurant Registry. This would certify what establishments that meet specific qualifications to be listed as one of the state’s historic diners.
The criteria for this designation states that a diner must (and I am taking this directly for an article I just read about this here:
– Primarily serve food and beverages for on-site consumption at booths, tables, or counters;
– Offer a wide, traditional diner-style menu, including breakfast items, sandwiches, burgers, salads, soups, and desserts;
– Qualify as a small business under the federal Small Business Act; and
– Have operated continuously in New Jersey for at least 25 years, including time lost due to pandemic-related dining closures.
On the books currently all New Jersey restaurants, must collect sales tax on their prepared food and drinks, whether the food and drink is eaten in the eatery or it’s a “to go,” order. The above bill would create a 12-month exemption from sales tax on meals and beverages served for on-premises consumption at certified historic diners and restaurants.
Once a restaurant is approved for the registry, that place’s operator would receive a sales tax exemption certificate from the Division of Travel and Tourism. That certificate, later presented to the Division of Taxation, would grant the business the ability to suspend sales tax collection for one year.
The bill’s sponsor, Assemblywoman Margie Donlon (D–Monmouth), said: “These diners and family restaurants are living landmarks. They’ve served generations of residents, anchored communities, and built the state’s reputation as the ‘Diner Capital of the World.’ This bill gives them the recognition and support they deserve.”
I couldn’t agree more.
