Seattle Voters Nix 10-Cent Espresso Tax

Republicandailynew ^ | 09/17/03 | Staff Writer

[bedolido]

Associated Press (Sep 17, 05:59 AM) After voters in this caffeine capital rejected a proposed 10-cent tax on espresso drinks, cafe owners celebrated with beer, wine and - what else? - lattes. With 97 percent of precincts reporting early Wednesday, 69 percent of voters opposed the tax. The initiative served a jolt of controversy to an otherwise sleepy off-year primary election.

"You can't tax coffee. It just doesn't work," said coffee shop owner Jeff Babcock, celebrating the victory at a downtown espresso store.

The measure would have taxed espresso drinks a dime per cup, with the revenue going to fund preschool and day-care programs. The tax would have been levied on any drink with half an ounce or more of espresso.

Initiative sponsor John Burbank said people who spend $3 to $5 on coconut mochas or iced vanilla lattes could afford an extra dime for kids. "It's a disappointing vote," he said.

Neighbors Pam Masse and Sue Damon voted on opposite sides of the issue.

Damon, a stay-at-home mom, voted for it reluctantly: "I don't think that's the way you fund child care, but something has to be done."

Masse, a drapery installer, said a personal appeal from the owner of her local coffee shop swayed her vote against the measure. "I'm all for helping people, but not when it hurts the small businessperson," she said.

Proponents said the tax would raise at least $6.5 million a year, while a more conservative City Council estimate said the revenue would likely have topped out at $3.5 million annually.

Babcock staged a Boston Tea party-style protest earlier this month, throwing burlap coffee bags into Green Lake. The bags were filled with balloons, both to aid their recovery and because even the most ardent Seattle political protesters weren't about to waste perfectly good espresso beans.

The measure referred to the extra cost as a "luxury" tax, a term opponents disliked.

"It's not a luxury item as far as the culture here," Babcock said. "It's a cold, wet, damp environment. Coffee's big, and everyone loves their lattes."

A coalition of business owners, regular caffeine addicts, coffee roasters and espresso bar owners led by Seattle-based coffee behemoth Starbucks fought against the proposed tax.

Burbank said he hoped the campaign had at least raised awareness about early childhood education: "Now it's time for us to all sit down together and find a robust funding source. If we're serious about ensuring that kids have an equal start in life, we need it."

[Steve_Seattle]

"Why doesn't someone at the Seattle PI point out this ham handed political ploy?"

Actually, the P.I. came out against this tax, arguing that there was no rational connection between what was being taxed (lattes) and the program that was being funded by the tax (daycare).

[over3Owithabrain]

actually you have a point there

Hey, that's a FR first for me -thanks!

[CSM]

"Actually, the P.I. came out against this tax, arguing that there was no rational connection between what was being taxed (lattes) and the program that was being funded by the tax (daycare)."


That makes the tobacco settlement money illegal. It is used to pay pell grants in my state, what is it used for in WA?

I was secretly hoping this tax would pass, opening the door to many other taxes. When people start getting the cash taken out of their pockets, then the revolution may actually happen. Right now it's OK to take from 1/4 of the populations pocket, but don't touch the coffee!

[CSM]

"The measure referred to the extra cost as a "luxury" tax, a term opponents disliked."

They should have called it a "sin" tax, then it would have passed.

Those sinners drinking that addictive drug caffiene have shown that they are evil and hate children!

[hobbes1]

This is not a libertarian uprising...

Lets face the facts here. This is only an extension of the rest that other liberal Phenomenon....NIMBY.

It's Cool to Tax everyone else for my little pet projects, but....

Stay Away from my Latte!

[Mon]

see my post #14 :)

[Mon]

It was early when I first posted, should have waited when my mind was clear, rofl! I admit when I'm wrong :)

[Steve_Seattle]

"It's Cool to Tax everyone else for my little pet projects, but...."

I think you've got it backwards. "Tax everyone else to support my pet projects" is the mentality that was REJECTED by this vote. Probably fewer than a third of Seattle voters are regular latte drinkers, but this measure lost by more than two-to-one.

[ItsOurTimeNow]

I don't ever recall any tobacco tax hikes being put to vote?

Why are the coffee drinkers given that option, yet smokers are not.

[where's_the_Outrage?]

They should have called it a "sin" tax, then it would have passed.

They should really have called it a tax on the rich as only the rich can afford 4 bucks a cup for coffee. That way the weathy would pay their fair share!!!!

[B Knotts]

"Now it's time for us to all sit down together and find a robust funding source."

Umm...the parents?