Vienna Meals Tax Proposal Opposed By Majority In Patch Survey

Restaurants & Bars Majority Oppose Temporary Vienna Meals Tax Proposal In Patch Survey Many respondents of a Patch survey are resistant to a temporary meals tax, although some want to see a pool and fitness center.
A majority in a Patch survey are opposed to a temporary meals tax to fund an indoor pool and fitness center in Vienna. (Emily Leayman/Patch)
VIENNA, VA — A majority of respondents to a Patch survey oppose a proposed 1 percent temporary meals tax being considered by Vienna Town Council.
We surveyed readers after Vienna Town Council began having discussions about a temporary meals tax addition to fund the community’s desired indoor pool and fitness center. The pool and fitness center was the final recommendation for the annex property at 301 Center Street South. Town Council discussed the option of a temporary 1 percent meals tax increase on top of the current 3 percent rate to help fund the project sooner — by 2030. The town estimated the opening would be 2040 under the normal capital project funding process. Nearly 200 readers responded to our survey from the afternoon of Wednesday, Oct. 23 to noon on Monday, Oct. 28. There were 73.3 percent of respondents opposed to a 1 percent temporary meals tax, while 22.7 percent were supportive and 3.5 percent unsure.
There was more support for the indoor pool and fitness center, even for those that don’t want a temporary meals tax hike to fund it. A total of 44.9 percent support the pool and fitness center uses, while 40.4 percent are opposed and 14.6 percent are unsure. Respondents indicated 65.2 percent eat out at least once a week in Vienna, and 26.8 percent eat out at least once a month. But 60.1 percent overall said the 1 percent meals tax addition would make them less likely to eat out. Another 36.8 percent said the meals tax hike would have no impact on their decision to eat out.
One common reason cited for opposed respondents was the cost of taxes or eating out. Some were concerned about restaurants surviving on small profit margins.