The Iowa Restaurant Association has outlined its top legislative priorities for 2024, representing the interests of over 6,000 restaurants across the state. A significant concern highlighted is the current practice where Iowa restaurants bear credit card fees on sales tax. In contrast to 27 other states, including Illinois, Missouri and Nebraska, Iowa lacks a vendor allowance to assist restaurants in recovering these fees. This discrepancy resulted in Iowa restaurants paying $6.1 million to credit card companies while collecting $270 million in state sales tax. The association is also advocating for the introduction of a work driver’s permit for 14½- and 15-year-olds and for legislative initiatives related to the distribution and purchase of alcohol.