This legislative bill, known as Senate File No. 34, aims to change the taxation laws in Minnesota by creating a tax exemption for equipment used in food service establishments. Specifically, the bill proposes that the purchase or lease of food service equipment that is essential for preparing food or beverages up to the point they are ready to serve to customers should not be taxed.

The equipment covered under this tax exemption includes items such as ovens, grills, refrigerators, dishwashers, coffee machines, and similar items used in kitchens to prepare food and drinks. However, items that are directly used by customers, like linens, utensils, tables, and chairs, along with delivery vehicles, are not included in this exemption.

This proposal defines food service establishments to include restaurants, mobile food units, and catering services. The bill specifies what constitutes the ‘production’ of food and beverages within these settings, which involves any operation that transforms ingredients into ready-to-serve food or drinks. The purpose of the exemption is to reduce the tax burden on food service businesses in terms of their equipment investments.