Liquor Laws and Taxes

[cmanson13]

I've got a gripe.  I'm tired of overpaying for drinks I buy at restaurants.  A few of the local places do it correctly while most of them get away with overcharging on the bill.

The law says that we have to pay a 13.5% sin tax, and that tax will be included in the menu price.  Several places are charging this added tax above the menu price even though the law is black and white in saying it HAS to be included.  I found 4 out of 5 do it wrong in Tulsa.

The law also goes on to say that regular tax will be applied to the drink amount before the sin tax was added.  Most get this wrong too.  Tax on tax.

The law: statute Title 37, Chapter 3, Section 576.
OK Tax rules: http://www.tax.ok.gov/rules/rule2006.pdf
Page 22

The OK Tax commission keeps telling me they are flexible in their policy, even though it's a law.  Everybody give them a call and let them know you are tired of over paying and them allowing unfair competition from those who are not in compliance because they can mark their drink lower than somebody who does it right!  

[cannon_fodder]

quote:Liquor Laws and Taxes

Bing... yes cannon_fodder -

What are things I hate.

[cmanson13]

Doing it wrong:
Chalkboard, Elephant Bar, In the Raw, Flemings, Bonefish, Abuelo's, FiftyFive Degrees.

Doing it right:
Los Cabos and Charlstons.

[cannon_fodder]

Did you point it out to them nicely?

When it comes to taxes business usually err on the side of paying too much.  It's easier and cheaper in the long run I'm afraid (especially if the tax is a pass through to the customer).  Perhaps raise this point with the manager or with a kindly worded letter as a way they could save their customers money and/or make more money/tips for themselves.

/I'm making no claim based on the merit of your legal research, but operating under the premise that you are correct.