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Pa. restaurateurs fight 10% drink tax

PITTSBURGH The Pennsylvania Restaurant Association has joined a coalition of hospitality organizations and the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States to fight a proposed 10-percent tax on poured alcoholic beverages in Allegheny County.

The coalition launched radio ads in the Pittsburgh area, assailing officials as being hypocritical for claiming to boost local tourism while undercutting restaurants and other tourist-related businesses with an anti-industry tax. PRA chief executive Patrick Conway said the tax could affect conventions and special events in the area and cost servers, bartenders and other employees their jobs.

 “It will drive prices up for the consumer,” he said. “There is nothing good about it.”

 The ad, which is presented from a waitress’ point of view, maintains that the tax will cost the western area of the state an estimated 500 jobs if it is enacted.

Proponents of the tax say it is needed to help support the county’s efforts to improve local mass transit. Opponents argue, however, that Pennsylvania’s distilled spirits excise tax is almost the highest in the region and currently runs $6.54 per gallon. Of the six states bordering Pennsylvania, only Ohio’s tax is higher.

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