Homepage > Pittsburgh News

Onorato May Look For Allegheny County Drink Tax Alternatives

POSTED: 11:42 am EST February 20, 2008
UPDATED: 6:19 pm EST February 20, 2008

Allegheny County's 10 percent tax on poured alcoholic drinks has only been around for seven weeks, and already county Chief Executive Dan Onorato may be pursuing alternatives.

Onorato sat down last week with a group of state legislators, county officials and representatives of some Pittsburgh bars and restaurants, and said he might be looking for another way to fill the funding gap at the Port Authority, as long as it doesn't involve raising property tax.

Onorato said that while he will not drop the drink tax until an alternative is in place, he is looking into options such as legalizing electronic poker machines and other gambling games in bars.

"Thank God," said Ugly Bar owner Bubba Snider. "We need an alternative to the drink tax. I have one location. This bar and restaurant feeds my children."

"All of these options are contingent on state approval," said Onorato. "We don't know what they're willing to do."

Electronic poker machines and similar games are currently legal when used for amusement purposes, but are illegal when used for gambling.

Bar and restaurant owners are scheduled to make their first payment of the drink tax on Monday.

Links We Like

Before you splurge on that pricey remodeling project, beware. It may not pay you back when it's time to sell. More

Employers generally have options when it comes to hiring. Makes sure you present yourself as professionally as possible, or else. More

Want to lose weight? Get a diet and fitness plan customized for you from Jillian Michaels of TV’s Biggest Loser. MoreClick Here

The signs of Cancer can sometimes be very subtle. Here's a guide to help you recognize them early. More

Sponsored Links