Beer Tax

Cities, counties and states are jacking up fees to shore up their budgets during the Great Recession, according to The New York Times. Winter Haven, Florida, for example, is charging at-fault drivers for the cost of responding to an accident. A proposed Ohio budget includes numerous fee hikes, including a five-fold increase in the cost of a livestock license. The governor of Wisconsin wants to triple the cost of an elk hunting license, even though there aren't enough elk to even have a hunting season.

"Such cash-per-crash ordinances tend to infuriate motorists, and they often generate bad press, but a lot of cities are finding them hard to resist," writes David Segal. "With the economy flailing and budgets strained, state and local governments are being creative about ways to raise money. And the go-to idea is to invent a fee — or simply raise one."

Closer to home, a state-appointed task force is recommending a higher beer tax to fund Michigan's child-welfare system and raise money for abuse and neglect prevention programs. Go here for a state-by-state comparison of current excise taxes on beer.

Here's a rundown of Flint's current license and fee structure, which includes a $7 fee to operate a condom machine and a $176 fee to open a pool hall with up to four tables. It'll cost you $73 for each additional table.

UPDATE: Würstside Warlørd has left a new comment on your post "Beer Tax":

Only in Flint would operating a firing range cost less than the numerous oppressive fees for teen dances. Heck, even a coney cart will cost you more.
With the cruel "Going Out Of Business" fee why isn't Flint swimming in cash? Should've upped it to at least $100.00.

Here are some good ones:

FIRING RANGE & SHOOTING GALLERY- 70.00
GOING OUT OF BUSINESS(30 days)- 50.00
ICE CREAM CARTS/CONEY CART- 160.00 vehicle/ 80.00 cart
MECHANICAL DEVICE OPERATOR- 130.00
MUSIC MACHINE- 30.00
PARKING LOT 11-25 SPACES- 114.00
PARKING LOT 250-350 SPACES- 164.00