`Sin tax' considered to replace Phoenix food tax

by Jim Cross/KTAR and KTAR.com (September 14th, 2011 @ 11:57am)

Mikey Sarratt, tattoo parlor owner, objects to proposals for a new Phoenix tax on his business. (KTAR Photo by Jim Cross)
Arizona Wildfire News

PHOENIX -- A possible "sin tax" on tattoo parlors, strip joints, escort service and head shops has been suggested as a way to replace revenue from Phoenix's 2 percent food tax, scheduled to end in 2015.

Mayor Phil Gordon and City Councilman Tom Simplot put out the idea as the City Council discussed the food tax Tuesday, according to The Arizona Republic.

Gordon also suggested taxing false calls to police and firefighters and electronic billbords.

Mikey Sarrat at High Noon Tattoo said the idea is a bad one in the current economic climate.

"Right now, in this economy, it's not easy to stay open being a small business and then you start throwing these extra taxes in, that cuts into our bottom line and we don't have much bottom line to play with," Sarrat said.

He added he does not like businesses like his lumped in with the term "sin."

"We're an art gallery that puts art on people's skin. That's kind of offensive to me as a tattooer and a business owner that we're kind of being lumped into that."

The 2 percent food tax was approved in February 2010 and estimated to raise $50 million a year to help address the city's budget crisis. If it should be repealed before its sunset date of 2015, the city will need replacement revenue, council members said.

"We'll evaluate everything we've heard tonight and wee what's feasible and what's not," City Finance Director Jeff DeWitt said after Tuesday's meeting.

Sarrat said, "They're fishing for any kind of thing they can pull money on. Small businesses -- they beat us up so bad -- and if they keep hitting us, hitting us, hitting us, eventually there's not going to be a small business to hit any more."


Last 5 Comments

  • Reply Abuse Vote
    Sin
    Jeff C
    How about taxing all polititions for each word they speak.
  • Reply Abuse Vote
    Create Jobs Phil or is that a sin?
    David P
    If Phil would do his job and entice companies to move to Phoenix that would create revenue for the city. People buy homes, people need food, clothing people eat out and need to be entertained. What does that do to the bottom line? Increases it. Jobs, companies, businesses would increase the tax revenue. But, I guess your too busy dealing with his son sticking his hand down girls shirts?
  • Reply Abuse Vote
    They Taxed Food
    Rob S
    Might as well hit water and air. Hmm maybe they should have a non-dead tax, if your not dead yet tax-em.
  • Reply Abuse Vote
    Government to decide 'Sin'
    Jshope
    At one time I would have said OK. But, government is a dangerous friend. When they raised tobacco taxes, I didn't complain because I didn't smoke. When they raised taxes on alcoholic drinks, I didn't complain because I didn't drink them. When they raised taxes on soda pop, I started to be concerned, but I could see their stance. When they raise taxes on sugar, salt, oil, and butter what will you do? Remember when we rebelled over a single tax on tea?
  • Reply Abuse Vote
    Hey Phoenix - need money ?
    Larry in Glendale
    Why don't you start cracking down on all those vehicles I see driving around with Mexican plates? You really think they're all here on vacation? They get them across the border for five bucks and you lose out on the license fees!
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