Drink Tax Could Go Away

Four Republicans on the Allegheny County Council will introduce legislation at Tuesday's meeting to reopen the county budget and repeal the drink and car rental taxes.

The four council members said they feel very strongly about the need to alleviate the tax burden on the residents of Allegheny County.

The two new taxes, enacted on Jan. 1, are helping to fund the $30 million Port Authority subsidy.

Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato addressed the situation at a news conference Monday afternoon at the Allegheny County Courthouse.

Onorato said if the two new taxes are repealed, he will be required to give $28 million of Allegheny County property taxes to the Port Authority.

Previous Stories: December 28, 2007: Allegheny County Drink Tax Injunction Denied December 27, 2007: Local Restaurant, Bar Owners Fight Drink Tax December 14, 2007: Bar Owner Has Message For Onorato December 5, 2007: Dan Onorato Responds To Drink Tax Debate November 30, 2007: Opponents of Drink Tax Release Study on Impact October 2, 2007: Allegheny County Council Proposes Drink Tax