Buffalo Hits PAUSE on Proposed Venue Tax

In response to a chorus of concerns from entertainment venues in Buffalo ranging from the Town Ballroom to Sportsmen’s Tavern, the city is putting on hold, for now at least, its stated intent to start charging extra fees for concerts, plays, and other events.

According to reports from various outlets in Buffalo, a letter was sent from Mayor Byron Brown Wednesday, calling on the city’s Department of Permit and Inspection Services and the Law Department to review the current regulations on collecting fees from venues before moving forward.

“The collection of Amusement License fees is being temporarily paused,” according to the letter. “We have reviewed the ordinance and are looking to make adjustments. In the coming weeks, the city will work with the Common Council to resolve any issues.”
The city is facing a budget shortfall that could top $40 million in the coming years; the venue tax would be levied on a per-event basis based on the cost of a ticket to attend, with initial proposed fees running $55 if the event’s ticket cost $25 or less, but up to $350 per event if the cost to attend was $100 or more. Venue owners told Investigative Post, which broke the story last week, that fees could total up to $100,000 per year for larger venues, while smaller venue owners might be on the hook for $10,000 to $25,000 per year.

The city’s Common Council is on summer recess until September, but Council President Chris Scanlon said he’s going to continue meeting with business and venue owners to hear their concerns and ideas to be ready to address the situation in the fall. He intends to continue “working with them to ensure these vital venues and our arts and cultural scene continue to thrive and remain assets to our city and region,” he said.