Hoosiers Shouldn’t Have to Foot the Bill for Capital Improvement Board’s Fumble

Full-Page Ad in Indianapolis Star Calls on Hoosiers to Take Action to Defeat Alcohol Tax Hike
April 22, 2009

WASHINGTON – Today, the American Beverage Institute (ABI), which represents over 200 Indiana restaurants, ran a full page advertisement in the Indianapolis Star encouraging Hoosiers to contact their legislators and demand that they vote down an alcohol tax increase.

 The text of the advertisement reads:

 
Jim Irsay isn’t going to pay for your drink.
 
So why should you pay for operating his stadium?

As a part of the plan to pay for the operating costs of the new Colts stadium, some politicians want to double the excise tax on alcohol.

Adding insult to injury, legislators have also tried to raise the food and beverage tax in Indianapolis.

A tax like this won’t hurt executives who watch the games from the skybox, but it will make a big difference to fans in the cheap seats or watching the game at home.

Call your state legislator and say “NO” to raising taxes on fans.

For more information, visit: NoDrinkTax.com.
 

The Capital Improvement Board (CIB), which operates Indianapolis’ sports stadiums, has run into a delay of game: a $47 million budget deficit. To bailout the CIB, Indiana legislators are trying to pass the cost onto citizens through multiple alcohol tax proposals.
 

“Why should the fans be forced to pay extra for the new stadium while the Colts sit back and reap the benefits?” said ABI Managing Director Sarah Longwell.
 

“Between already sky high ticket prices and extra fees, many fans can’t even afford to go to a Colts game,” said Longwell. She continued, “If an alcohol tax goes through, many Hoosiers won’t even be able to enjoy a cold one while watching the game at home.”