A meals tax referendum, proposed by Supervisor Gerry Hyland, has been before the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors for the past two years. It has been discussed at budget committee meetings, at a recent Board of Supervisors retreat, and also at meetings held on school budget cuts.
A meals tax would decrease the County’s reliance on real estate property taxes. Increased funds from a Meals Tax would help to offset the County’s current budget shortfall, and limit budget cuts for important community services including schools and law enforcement.
The proposed meal tax would be 4% of the cost of prepared foods sold in restaurants, carry-outs, drive-ins, or convenience stores. The tax would not apply to grocery items.
Supervisor Hyland proposed that a referendum be placed on the public ballot for March 2010. The Board of Supervisors voted 3 to 7 against placing this item on the March ballot. The Board of Supervisors plans further discussion in upcoming meetings. The Meals Tax cannot be implemented without a public referendum.
Many local jurisdictions, including Alexandria, Arlington, Falls Church, and Vienna all currently have a Meals Tax.
Some local restauranteurs have voiced opposition to the proposed tax, citing that, in this current economic downturn, they are already suffering a reduction in business, and the additional tax would mean patrons would have even fewer dollars to allocate to dining out. They feel that their sector of the economy is being unfairly targeted by the tax.
A previous Meals Tax referendum failed to pass when voted on in 1992.
Let us hear from you. Do you support or oppose the Meals Tax?
