March 1, 2012—Newport, RI— The Newport County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors voted at their February Board meeting to oppose passage of the 2% increase in the Meals & Beverage tax contained in the Governor’s 2013 budget. The hospitality industry is a key economic driver in the state of Rhode Island and one of the few industries currently experiencing growth coming out of the long recession. To place yet another tax on this already over-taxed industry is a not a solution, at most is a temporary fix, and does not address the structural problems within Rhode Island’s finances.
“Newport and Rhode Island are destinations”, said Jody Sullivan, Executive Director of the Chamber, “Conferences, events and weddings look for destinations. While 2% may not seem like much on a $50 dinner tab, 2% on a $50,000 convention or wedding means the difference between choosing RI or Cape Cod, Mystic, or even Orlando or Charleston for that matter”.
Bringing the Rhode Island meals and beverage tax to 10% will make it even more difficult to compete in an already aggressively competitive industry.
The Newport County Chamber of Commerce helps its members succeed through legislative advocacy, economic development, education, savings, networking and increased visibility.
