Colorado swipe-fee bill nears signing as Chicago freezes tip-credit cut
Colorado legislation awaiting the governor's signature would bar interchange fees on sales taxes and tips, a potential turning point for swipe-fee policy. Chicago's two-year freeze on tip-credit elimination adds to signs of regulatory reversals favoring restaurant margins heading into 2026.
Colorado legislation awaiting governor's signature would prohibit interchange fees on sales taxes and tips, potentially shifting momentum on swipe fees. Chicago also froze tip-credit elimination for two years, signaling broader policy reversals affecting restaurant economics.
Why this matters
Colorado's pending interchange-fee carveout and Chicago's tip-credit freeze mark coordinated state and city pushback on costs squeezing restaurants, setting precedent ahead of 2026 budget cycles.
Retail-company signals steady at 181 over the trailing 90 days, indicating sustained policy and operator activity.