Mississippi Senate Bill SB2197

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/13/22
• Refer: 1/13/22
• Failed: 2/23/22

Caption

Alcoholic beverages; reduce privilege tax for package retailer's permits for locations in cities with a population of 5,000 or less.

Impact

If enacted, SB2197 would specifically reduce the privilege license tax from $900 to $450 for package retailers in smaller municipalities. This change is anticipated to incentivize the establishment of more retail locations and promote the local economy by encouraging entrepreneurship. The amendment designed to ease tax burdens could also aid vendors in better meeting the needs of their customers in less populated areas, potentially enhancing community satisfaction and local engagement.

Summary

Senate Bill 2197 seeks to amend the Mississippi Code by reducing the privilege license tax imposed on package retailer's permits for establishments located in municipalities with a population of 5,000 or less. The bill aims to alleviate the financial burden on small businesses in these areas, enabling them to operate without the same level of tax pressure that larger municipalities face. The proposed tax reduction would help local package stores remain competitive while promoting local retail alcohol sales, which may contribute to economic growth within these communities.

Contention

There could be points of contention surrounding the implementation of SB2197. Proponents argue that the tax reduction is vital for promoting local business growth in small towns, where retailers face unique challenges that larger urban counterparts do not. However, critics may raise concerns about the potential loss of revenue for local governments, which rely on these taxes for public services. Additionally, there may be apprehensions about whether the reduced tax will lead to fair competition in the alcoholic beverages market or if it unfairly advantages smaller establishments at the expense of larger retailers.