I Have Expressed The Same Sentiments

Toronto's 'vice taxes' are misguided
I suppose some things need to be taxed for the City of Toronto to operate, but forgive me for being offended by the city's newest tax schemes.
According to reports, Toronto's mayor, David Miller, intends to implement what are being called "vice taxes" by some media outlets. City officials are already in consultations and the new taxes should come into effect later this year, or sometime next year.
Some of the new tax plans make perfect sense: Take, for example, a proposed road toll for congested city routes like the Gardiner Expressway and Don Valley Parkway — the plan would most certainly get drivers to consider carpooling, which would free up space on the roads, and still net as much as $75-million for the city. A congestion toll will also make the greenies and green-curious out there happy.
That's good business.
But, levying an additional 5% in taxes on people out for dinner, drinks, a movie, sports event or concert — another one of Miller's planned tax schemes — makes no sense at all.
Torontonians out for a night on the town already pay significant taxes (a total of 14% of most things, when you combine provincial and federal sales taxes) — a 5% increase will certainly be felt. And, like a congestion toll, the "vice tolls" might motivate the city's citizens to simply stay in for the night.
Which is not what Toronto wants, of course. So, why punish those interested and engaged citizens out looking for culture and/or entertainment on a weeknight?
Besides, when did going out for a movie or a drink with friends become a "vice"?
I can guarantee you this: The guy or gal who decides to go out to see a local band perform or hits Queen St. for dinner with some pals is more likely to do something constructive for the city than the Average Joe and Jill sprawled out in front of the TV watching Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader?
And yet, Toronto, in effect, wants to punish the cultured folks — the ones who enjoy their city and show their appreciation for it by going out and spending hard-earned money during their well-earned downtime. Insular laziness, on the other hand, is to be rewarded.

I propose a different tax: Why not force shlubby couch potatoes to pay $5 for every night they spend prone on the sofa doing nothing even remotely productive?
If anything those people should be punished for doing nothing to help Toronto. Besides, the extra business that movie theatres, watering holes and concert venues stand to gain from reformed cough-aholics would more than make up for a "vice tax."

Published Tuesday, March 27, 2007 2:39 PM by Yoni Goldstein