How did the proposal for a 1% visitor contribution originate, and who would bear the cost if a bill passes—restaurants, waiters, or guests?
The idea emerged from a discussion with an owner of a Togliatti restaurant. He noted a tension: while battles continue and soldiers are in the trenches, many people still lead normal, peaceful lives—visiting eateries, cafes, nightclubs, and discos. He proposed a targeted charge added to the guest’s bill, essentially a tip but directed to a specific purpose. Traditionally, tips average around 5% of the order total; this proposed levy would be collected in addition to that tip. Some commentators refer to it as a fee rather than a tax. In conversations with lawyers, several models surfaced. One route mirrors a resort fee approach, while businesses and legal entities already pay VAT, suggesting the possibility of creating a separate provision in tax law without broad changes. In any case, the idea centers on a fixed amount that scales with the check size and would be directed to a state fund mentioned by the president in a speech—a fund intended to support families of mobilized and fallen soldiers.
How would compliance be ensured? Could some groups refuse to fund the 1%?
The mechanism is straightforward: every receipt passes through the accounting system. There are no obstacles in this regard.
Would guests tip waiters less as a result, potentially displeasing staff?
The proposer downplays this concern. He suggests guests typically tip in cash while paying by card, and the 1% would be collected as part of the bill rather than as a separate cash handling issue. He notes that most diners would not notice the small levy, except perhaps for foreign diplomats from countries unfriendly to Russia, who would face a dilemma when visiting Russian restaurants because their spending could indirectly support mobilized families or military personnel and might prompt sanctions by their own governments. Some might choose to buy dumplings at a grocery store instead.
When is the draft expected to reach the State Duma for consideration?
The advocate estimates a draft ready by the end of May. He emphasizes that the issue touches both law and tax policy, requiring additional refinement and official input before presenting it to the Duma. He expresses hope for broad support from colleagues and the government, arguing the concept would not apply to income tax but to a consumer category capable of affording restaurant visits. Initially, the idea was scoped to Moscow, St. Petersburg, and regional centers, but there is a belief it could spread nationwide. People go out to relax and enjoy themselves with discretionary funds, and the proposal targets only those who can afford it. The goal is not to burden the poor, but to collect a small contribution from those with spare resources.
For administrative ease, the plan would apply to all qualifying cafes and restaurants, though it would explicitly exclude canteens.
Would the policy affect popular chains like Tasty and to the Point or Rostik’s?
The response is that such venues would be included in principle. The topic is controversial, and coverage would need more detailed work. The draft as outlined so far remains a framework with multiple possible models still under consideration.
Will the initiative be discussed with restaurateurs?
The proponent reiterates that the concept originated with a restaurant owner in the Samara region and clarifies that there are no imminent roundtable meetings planned on the issue.
Attribution note: Statements reflect the viewpoint of a single restaurant owner and are presented for context in this discussion. [Citation: Restaurant owner interview, Samara region].