Restaurants in Kirkland are struggling as of late. Many people rely on restaurants for a good meal.

Do away with the sales tax on restaurant meals, then bars and taverns would not be the only economically viable eating establishments. Larger families and groups would see a decrease in food costs. Young people could get their first work experience in many cases. Experienced workers can become managers. This is an economic benefit to Kirkland.

In my neighborhood we have many abandoned sites where restaurants once operated. The site of Frosty’s is now a dusty vacant lot. Where Jack in the Box once operated, which was replaced by a sushi joint and then a family eatery, stands a vacant structure. All closed and gone out of operation.

The boost to the economy locally from clientele visiting local eateries can only “trickle out” sideways along the sidewalk and benefit the neighboring businesses. Any independent-minded business person knows that for the state to lose a little tax can only help get the local economy moving forward and shouldn’t Olympia be happy to see that happen?

Miles F. Holden, Kirkland