The Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce is committed to supporting a strong, vibrant local economy. A local food & beverage tax will allow us to invest in projects that will have a lasting impact on Richmond residents and visitors alike, while ensuring that our parks remain a free universal source of enjoyment and inspiration for generations to come.
The Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce supports the proposed 1% Food & Beverage Tax within Richmond city limits because it is a practical, future-focused way to invest in the places that bring us together—our parks, trails, and the Whitewater Gorge.
The Chamber believes the Food & Beverage Tax is a forward-looking, locally controlled investment. With a small, 1% addition to prepared food and beverage sales, Richmond can sustain what we have, make needed improvements, and create new destination spaces in the Gorge and park system— keeping our community strong, active, and vibrant for generations to come.
Richmond’s proposed 1% Food & Beverage Tax applies to prepared foods and drinks sold for immediate consumption within city limits. This includes meals, beverages, and other items furnished, prepared, or served by restaurants, cafés, fast-food establishments, bars, caterers, and similar businesses. The tax is collected in the same way as existing sales taxes.
Important: These examples reflect how Food & Beverage taxes are defined in state law and in comparable Indiana communities. The final Richmond ordinance will provide the definitive list of taxable and exempt items. Businesses should consult their accountant or the Indiana Department of Revenue for compliance guidance.
Revenue from Richmond’s proposed 1% Food & Beverage Tax may only be used for eligible park, trail, and Whitewater Gorge projects as defined in state law and the local ordinance. All funds will be overseen and appropriated by the Richmond Common Council through a transparent budgeting process, ensuring every dollar is invested responsibly.
Based on recommendations from the Food & Beverage Tax Advisory Team, projects fall into three major categories:
The Food & Beverage Tax is not a general revenue tool. Funds must be used only for eligible park, trail, and Gorge-related projects—strengthening Richmond’s quality of place and supporting long-term economic growth.
Examples of potential investment areas:
Strong parks and outdoor spaces deliver measurable community benefits: economic growth, increased tourism, better health and wellness, stronger community pride, improved environmental resilience, and a higher quality of life for residents and visitors.
Richmond’s proposed 1% Food & Beverage Tax is designed to be simple to administer and familiar for businesses. It is collected in the same way as existing sales taxes, and both residents and visitors who dine out contribute. Below are answers to common questions we hear from restaurant, bar, café, and hospitality owners.
The proposed rate is 1%, which adds just one penny per dollar to a qualifying purchase. For example:
A small amount on each meal adds up to a significant, dedicated funding source for Richmond’s parks, trails, and the Whitewater Gorge—assets that help bring more people to your business.
The Food & Beverage Tax is collected at the point of sale, just like existing sales tax. Your POS system will need to be configured to apply the additional 1% to eligible prepared food and beverage sales. Once it is set up, collection becomes part of your normal process.
The tax applies to prepared foods and beverages sold for immediate consumption within Richmond city limits. Examples include:
No. Groceries, unprepared foods, and beverages purchased for home consumption are not subject to the Food & Beverage Tax. Items such as milk, bread, canned goods, frozen meals, and other standard grocery staples remain outside the scope of this tax. Non-food retail items are also not taxed under the Food & Beverage Tax.
Once adopted by the Richmond Common Council, the tax will be administered by the Indiana Department of Revenue (DOR). DOR will provide instructions on registration, filing frequency, and payment methods. In general, businesses will remit Food & Beverage Tax along with other state-administered taxes on a regular schedule.
The Chamber is here to help you stay informed and connected to official guidance. Use the links below to view relevant background documents, ordinance details, and park & recreation planning information.
Source: Information on this page was compiled by Richmond Parks & Recreation and the City of Richmond, based on publicly available presentations, planning documents, and FAQs related to the proposed Food & Beverage Tax.
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