Staff Reports
The liberal city of Washington, D.C., known for its liberal policies, is facing a restaurant crisis as the number of beloved eateries shutting down continues to rise. According to the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington, a staggering 52 restaurants closed their doors in 2023, up from 48 closures in 2022.
DC's crime leads to more restaurants closing in 2023 than the previous year https://t.co/hbKrgzOF3V
— ForthRight Strategy (@ForthRightStrat) December 27, 2023
This news comes as no surprise to conservatives, who have long warned about the negative impact of liberal policies on small businesses. The president of the RAMW, Shawn Townsend, cited the challenges of restaurant ownership, including the higher cost of goods and fewer patrons dining out. He also pointed fingers at the city’s rising crime problem and a harmful initiative that will phase out the tipped minimum wage.
It’s no wonder that restaurant owners are struggling when they’re forced to deal with the city’s skyrocketing crime rates. Aaron McGovern, the owner of Biergarten Haus and Russia House, lamented the loss of tens of thousands of dollars to burglaries and the assault of his employees. His frustration boiled over as he questioned why he should have to pay for extra security when he’s already paying hefty taxes.
The situation is so dire that even popular spots like Chinatown’s Bar Deco and Dupont Circle’s Surfside taco window have been forced to allocate funds for hired guards to protect their patrons. The increased operational budget for security has become unsustainable for many business owners, with one restaurateur, Bo Blair, revealing that he spends a jaw-dropping $4,000 a week on hired guards.
