| directfiesta |
12-21-2007 05:33 PM |
A " pole tax " coming in texas .. ( Pole as Stripper pole ... )
:1orglaugh:1orglaugh:1orglaugh
Quote:
Texas To Impose "Pole Tax" On Strip Club Customers; Will Benefit Rape Victims
Dallas, TX (AHN) -- Texas is giving people a good excuse to go strip clubs, with a new tax intended to raise funds for rape victims.
The "pole tax" requires strip clubs to impose a $5 levy on each customer starting New Year's Day. The legislation was introduced early this year by state lawmakers to toughen penalties for Texas' sex offenders. Money collected from the tax will go to victims of sexual assaults.
The state legislature had considered passing a similar bill last year, dubbed "Tassels for Tots," that imposed a $5 on every customer in strip clubs in order to raise money for schools, but few legislators liked the connection between children and strip clubs.
Owners and employees of the 152 sexually-oriented businesses registered with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission have opposed the tax, saying the law violates the First Amendment and unfairly punishes strip clubs for sex crimes. A suit has been filed by opponents who claim the law is too broadly defined and can be imposed on all performances that involve scantily clad women. Club owners also fear losing their business because of the added costs to customers.
State lawmakers, supported by the Texas Council on Family Violence and the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault, have said the tax will raise an estimated $40 million a year that can be used to open more rape-crisis centers.
Two other states have had similar legislation. Missouri lawmakers considered a $5 admission fee and a 20 percent sales tax on strip clubs two years ago, and Utah passed a bill in 2004 imposing a 10 percent sales tax on strip clubs in order to collect funds for treating sex offenders.
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