"Massachusetts Restaurants Sour on Credit Card Fees"

Restaurants in Massachusetts are urging lawmakers to pass a bill that would allow them to add a fee to customer purchases in order to cover the costs of credit or debit card processing fees. Currently, Massachusetts is one of two states that prohibits businesses from adding a surcharge to customer purchases. Restaurateurs argue that credit card fees, which have become a significant expense due to the shift away from cash payments, are squeezing their already-thin profit margins. The pandemic has exacerbated the issue, with online and phone orders subject to the highest percentage fee. Supporters of the bill argue that passing it would allow menu prices to adjust and provide relief to small businesses facing escalating costs.