For the fourth consecutive year, the city of Maplewood is facing a deficit in its educational funding. The city council has suggested raising the local meals tax from 6 to 8.5 percent to cover this year's budget shortfall. While additional funding for Maplewood's schools is essential, the council's proposal may not be the best approach. A large portion of the city's restaurant customers are visitors, who will not benefit from enhancements to the local education system.

Which of the following, if true, would most undermine the effectiveness of the city council's strategy to resolve the Maplewood school budget deficit by increasing the meals tax?