Vermont Business Magazine The “Keep Vermont Affordable” Coalition released a list of 25 Vermont small businesses today that are calling on state lawmakers to reject a proposed increase to the state’s beverage container handling fee, warning that it would add nearly $2 million in new costs across the state.
The businesses said increasing the fee paid within Vermont’s redemption program would ultimately raise costs for local retailers, restaurants and working families already facing higher prices for groceries, utilities, housing, education and health care.
“I'm concerned about the precedent this fee hike would set,” said Rami Faour, owner of Three Brothers Pizza. “If state legislators raise these fees today, what stops them from raising them again next year, and the year after that? It is already too difficult for families and small businesses like mine to make ends meet in Vermont. Vermonters deserve better than being nickel-and-dimed by the state legislature.”
The business owners have signed a petition asking lawmakers to protect Vermont's working families and small businesses and stand against new fees and costs.
The following businesses signed the petition:
Ali Baba Kabob
Brio Coffeeworks
Fairground Beverage
Five Corners Variety
JJ’s Pizza
Jericho Cafe and Tavern
Kerry’s Kwik Stop
Kerry’s Old North End
Kountry Kart Deli
M Saigon
Mañanita Bakery
Mexi Cuban Cravings
Mule Bar
Papa Frank’s
Pho Dang
RPS Enterprises DBA Nan’s Mobile
Route 7 Liquor & Deli
Sarom’s Cafe
Steeple Market
Sunny Hollow Quick Stop
Sweet Abilities Bakery
T. Rugg’s Tavern
Three Brothers Pizza & Grill
Traveled Cup
Vermont TASTee Grill
For more information on the coalition, visit www.KeepVermontAffordable.com
MONTPELIER, Vt. — 5.14.2026.
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Vermont Business Magazine