Tax-free period in Ohio now includes dining at restaurants

BOARDMAN, Ohio (WKBN) – Restaurants in Ohio are ready for people to sit down and know they’re spending a little less with no sales tax.

Ohio’s tax-free holiday started Tuesday, which allows for many items costing under $500 to be purchased without sales tax.

There are extra items not being taxed this year and the tax-free period has gone from three days to ten. Another of this year’s new features is dropping the sales tax on eating at restaurants.

“Because of that, restaurants like ours are going to get a little bump,” said Joe Rzonza, with Blue Wolf Tavern in Boardman.

Rzonza says the summer can be a slow time for restaurants. People may spend money in other places.

He feels adding in-person dining to the no-tax list for ten days is a win-win situation.

“I think being more inclusive is really going to round the curve here for consumers, as well as independent restaurants like us,” Rzonza said.

At El Vallarta in Poland, servers are delivering authentic Mexican food.

Juan Vazquez believes Ohio did the right thing including restaurants on the no-tax list.

“I think it’s pretty important, taking consideration how the economy has been the last couple years,” he said. “That could encourage people to come out and support a local business, and just business in general.”

A meal out is important. Some people have been cutting back as inflation has chipped away. People don’t want to let worrying about the final price affect them while eating.

The next ten days can offer some breathing room.

“It’s going to be a little cheaper for a bigger family and just in general,” Vazquez said. “I think people should take advantage of it and just support throughout the Mahoning Valley.”

Local restaurants, family-owned and operated, feel they take a harder hit when the market shifts.

El Vallarta and Blue Wolf have positive expectations for the state’s new approach.

“We’ll see. Hopefully, it’s a good ten days,” Vazquez said.

Alcohol is still taxed.

A total check may be over $500 but if each menu item is less than $500, then the entire check would be tax-free, according to the Ohio Department of Taxation.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.