Downers Grove Food And Beverage Tax Approved

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — Dining out in Downers Grove may get will get a little pricier in 2018. The Downers Grove Board of Trustees just approved a 1% tax on food and beverage purchases that is set to go into effect January 1, 2018. The new food and beverage tax will be imposed to offset lost revenue from sales tax in the village.

Village Council members approved the food and beverage tax with a 5-1 vote Tuesday. The 1% tax will affect alcohol and prepared food purchases in stores, along with alcohol and food items purchased at restaurants. During the previous week's meeting, the council discussed other options that would have worked to recoup the lost revenue from sales tax, including the consequences of cutting back government staff. Tully called the food and beverage tax called the new tax "the least unattractive" option.

Commissioner Bob Barnett acknowledged that "everyone hates taxes." Barnett and Mayor Martin Tully noted that many non-residents will help pay the 1% food and beverage tax and help earn revenue for the village. Barnett also emphasized that this tax is discretional and would only be paid by people who choose to engage in the affected purchases.

The sales tax revenue in Downers Grove have plummeted due to the increase of online shopping in recent years. This trend has impacted retail stores throughout the suburbs and nationwide, including Sam's Club in Woodridge, Ultra Foods, and Sears.

>>Image via YouTube, VillageDownersGrove