The local government sees Jack Daniels as a cash cow and now proposes an increase in taxes on Jack Daniels Tennessee Whiskey. The tax equates to a "pittance" 3.4 cents on each bottle of Jack. Well that pittance adds up to a whopping $4M a year in additional tax revenue as the distillery sells in excess of 100 million bottles a year.
Now, just to do some simple math, this additional revenue would actually add up to MORE than the current county budget to the tune of an extra $1M. A local concerned citizen stated (who of course is cheering on the increased taxes) that the county is "entitled" to more money because the distillery uses the small sleepy town image to sell it's product. Oh, and let's not forget that Jack Daniels attracts over a quarter million visitors to Moore County each year. In fact, the Jack Daniels website features local attractions and eatery's there in Lynchburg. I call that being a good neighbor.
Approximately 60%
of the retail price on a bottle of Jack Daniels comes from taxes. Tommy Beam is none too happy about the proposed increase and has stated that the addition of $4-$5M in increased taxes is going to make it harder for them to compete, grow and take on additional staff.Tommy Beam believes that the idea of taxing due to success is fundamentally unfair. "That's not free enterprise and that's not what this country was built on." he said. "I saw a quote the other day that said that a person used to look at a successful person and say now, what do I have to do to become like that? Whereas now, they might look at him and say, what can I do to get what they've got." What's next? #OccupyLynchburg?
I'd like to see Brown-Forman play hardball. Tell Moore county that if they pass this tax, they'll look at moving their entire operation. Certainly there must be other counties that: A)have the natural resources necessary for JD to make their product and B)would be willing to give them tax breaks to lure them away. The insanity of taxing to death the hand that feeds you needs to stop.
ReplyDeleteI can't see JD moving. The sad thing is this is nothing new as liquor is taxed heavily just about everywhere. The mindset that the manufacturer can just charge more is silly. As a small business owner that's not always an option if you want to stay competitive. I have no idea what Moore County's budget situation is but more taxes is the cheap way out and austerity actually takes courage and creativity. Two qualities many Politicians lack.
ReplyDeleteThis is ridiculous. 60% of the retail price of JD comes from taxes!? I sincerely hope this new tax doesn't come to fruition, and as Gary said, I think JD should play hardball. You can only be pushed around so long. 60%!? Ugh.
ReplyDelete