Via Neumos and the Decibel Festival:

The ‘Opportunity to Dance Tax’ was originally put in place in the 1980s as a tax on aerobics studios, jazzercise classes and other recreational activities. The tax has never been applied to businesses like ours in previous years, and now multiple clubs throughout Washington are facing severe financial setbacks based on the reconciliation of retroactive tax bills for allowing attendees the ‘opportunity to dance’ in their venues.

IF THE DANCE TAX GOES IN TO EFFECT TICKET PRICES WILL BE FORCED TO INCREASE 10%
AS IT WILL BE LEVIED ON TO THE TOTAL TICKET FEE.

There is now a new fast-moving effort led by State Senator Ed Murray who has introduced Bill 5613 that will solve this issue if approved.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Please write Senator Andy Hill and fellow committee members today to share your support for Bill 5613 to pass at the scheduled hearing taking place thisThursday, February 21st.

email: [email protected]

Find your legislative district here and contact committee members from this list: http://www.leg.wa.gov/Senate/Committees/WM/Pages/MembersStaff.aspx

If you write to your legislator, here’s some info:
– This tax is being inconsistently and unfairly applied to only some music venues, threatening their survival
– Venues owners have tried to work with the Department of Revenue, but the DoR has been unable to provide clear direction for when an “opportunity to dance” exists
– Other venues have been audited and not charged the tax