In an emergency vote Tuesday, the D.C. Council voted to pause the increase of the tipped minimum wage in the city, which would have taken effect July 1.

Initiative 82 was passed by an overwhelming majority of D.C. voters in 2022 and entails raising the minimum wage of tipped workers — such as restaurant employees or hair stylists — from $10 to $17.50 by 2027.

But since Mayor Muriel Bowser announced her fiscal 2026 budget would likely repeal Initiative 82 as part of her plan to transform the city’s federally dependent economy, critics of the controversial law, including the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington, have voiced their support.

Related stories

DC restaurant association says city should reassess Initiative 82, despite uncertainty with the council

DC restaurant as

See Full Page