Why is food taxed if it eaten on premises but not to go?

There are a few reasons why food is taxed when eaten on premises but not to go.

* Convenience. It is generally considered more convenient to eat food on premises than to take it to go. This is because restaurants provide seating, tables, and utensils, and customers do not have to worry about cleaning up after themselves. As a result, restaurants are able to charge more for food that is eaten on premises.

* Service. Eating on premises also typically involves more service than taking food to go. This includes things like being seated by a host, having your order taken by a server, and having your food and drinks brought to your table. This additional service costs restaurants money, and they pass on this cost to customers in the form of higher prices.

* Atmosphere. The atmosphere of a restaurant can also affect the price of food. Eating in a restaurant provides customers with a unique and enjoyable experience, and this is something that restaurants are able to charge a premium for.

* Tax laws. In some jurisdictions, food that is eaten on premises is subject to a different tax rate than food that is taken to go. This is because restaurants are considered to be places of entertainment, and food that is consumed in these places is subject to a higher tax rate.

It is important to note that not all restaurants charge more for food that is eaten on premises. Some restaurants offer the same price for both dine-in and take-out food. However, the reasons listed above explain why it is common for restaurants to charge more for food that is eaten on premises.

Here are some examples of how food taxes are applied in different jurisdictions:

* In the United States, food that is eaten on premises is typically subject to a sales tax. The sales tax rate varies from state to state, but it is typically around 7%.

* In Canada, food that is eaten on premises is typically subject to the Goods and Services Tax (GST). The GST rate is 5%.

* In the United Kingdom, food that is eaten on premises is typically subject to Value-Added Tax (VAT). The VAT rate is 20%.

These are just a few examples of how food taxes are applied in different jurisdictions. It is important to check the local tax laws to determine the exact tax rate that applies to food that is eaten on premises.