Suspending tax will help independent restaurants survive and thrive in wake of COVID-19

Grubhub, a leading food ordering and delivery marketplace, today urged the New York City Council to pass legislation waiving the annual tax on state licensed retailers selling liquor, wine or beer on- or off-premises in the City of New York. The bill, introduced by Council Members Keith Powers and Justin Brannan (at the request of Mayor Eric Adams) on Thursday, was also a key component of the Mayor’s blueprint for the city’s economic recovery.

“Grubhub strongly supports lifting New York City’s liquor tax, a commonsense solution that will help independent bars and restaurants not only survive but thrive as they continue to recover from the pandemic,” said Amy Healy, vice president of government affairs at Grubhub. “Small businesses are the cornerstones of every New York City neighborhood. We are pleased to see Mayor Adams and Council members Brennan and Powers continue to ally with small businesses and offer new tools to help put money back in their pockets.”

Grubhub was a vocal backer of Governor Kathy Hochul’s successful push to include permanent alcohol delivery and takeout in the New York State budget earlier this year. Throughout the pandemic, the company actively worked with local independent restaurants in New York City and across the country, providing them with an avenue to reach diners while helping partners and communities in need. In addition to direct marketplace support, Grubhub has provided millions of dollars in individual grants to restaurant partners to help them pay for overhead costs, employee retention and more.