In a surprising turn of events during Ohio's tax-free holiday, a local restaurant group found themselves mistakenly charging customers sales tax due to a lack of awareness about the expanded list of eligible purchases. This incident sheds light on the larger issue of both businesses and patrons struggling to comprehend the new guidelines surrounding the tax-free holiday.

One area woman, who chose to remain anonymous, discovered an amusing piece of paper on her kitchen table, which served as a reminder of her recent lunch experience at a local restaurant. Unbeknownst to her, she had been charged sales tax for her meal, an oversight that would not have occurred if she had dined just a few hours later.

Branka Djurin, the owner of Das Schnitzel Haus in Parma, confessed her lack of awareness about the situation, admitting that she doesn't watch the news regularly. As an experienced restaurant owner, Djurin had never encountered any issues during previous tax-free weekends and had no intention of incorrectly charging sales tax. She expressed that she had received no information from the state or local government regarding the tax-free status of their food items.

Djurin emphasized that the collected sales tax does not benefit her personally, as it is eventually returned to the government. Governor Mike DeWine's office released a statement on May 31, explaining the expanded scope of the tax-free holiday, now encompassing almost all purchases except for motor vehicles, alcohol, and marijuana. Additionally, the holiday now extends for 10 days, taking place in July and August.

Djurin expressed her desire for direct communication from the government, lamenting the fact that such information did not reach her in a timely manner. However, after receiving multiple complaints from customers, Das Schnitzel Haus took swift action and stopped charging sales tax.

Comments on social media platforms suggest that many Ohio residents were unaware of the holiday's expansion, raising concerns regarding businesses being adequately informed. The state's website asserts that vendors are required by law to comply with the holiday rules.

In an attempt to gain clarity on how businesses were informed about the new holiday guidelines and to educate customers on protecting themselves against wrongful charges, 3News Investigates has reached out to several state agencies for interviews. Unfortunately, no response has been received thus far.

Fortunately, for those who believe they have been erroneously charged during the tax-free holiday, there are avenues available for reimbursement. Ohio residents can seek assistance to rectify such charges and ensure they receive the rightful benefits of the tax-free period.