Diners at Ocean Springs restaurants may have to pay a 2 percent tax in coming years.
If this passes I'll just eat in Gautier, D'Iberville or Biloxi.
Moran said part of the taxes will pay for a proposed sports facility on Highway 57. She said people attending tournaments at the facility are expected to bring about $1 million a year into Ocean Springs' restaurants and bars. She said that even if city restaurants and bars lost any revenues from having to increase the tax, they would regain those revenues back through the events brought in by the investments the city will make.
One HUGE problem with her theory, Highway 57 is closer to the restaurants in Gautier then the dining facilities in Ocean Springs. Am I really suppose to believe that tourist will drive out of their way in order to dine in Ocean Springs and pay an additional 2% in taxes when they can eat in Gautier for less and have a shorter drive? Also having participated in many soccer tournaments I know first hand MANY parents bring drinks, and food stuffs with them so they will not have to spend additional money dining out, others take advantage of the food items provided at concession stands which probably would not be subject to the tax.
Then there is the fact the Choctaws are planning to build a casino on Highway 57, do we really want a sports complex for children next to a casino?
No comments:
Post a Comment