NBC Chicago reports The American Beverage Institute has taken out full page ads in Wednesday’s Chicago Sun Times and State Journal Register in Springfield advising Governor Pat Quinn to veto an alcohol tax increase because the increase could jeopardize Chicago’s chances of hosting the 2016 Summer Olympic Games.
The ads advise the governor to “Be the gold medal winner…Save our Olympic bid”, reports NBC Chicago.
The organization says that the proposed increase in alcohol taxes would cost the state thousands of jobs and hurt tourism. It warns “a massive new tax on alcohol could not be a worse idea, at a worse time”.
According to the organization, the proposed increase would mean Chicago taxes would be 77 per cent higher than even New York City.
“Having a vibrant restaurant and nightlife scene is an important component of Chicago’s bid to be recognized as a world class city capable of hosting the Olympics. If this alcohol tax goes through, Chicago will become a significantly less attractive candidate for the 2016 Olympics” said the ad.
