Reader comments
'Nudity tax' challenged

If taxes should be higher for businesses that have secondary negative influences on society, then perhaps buisnesses other than strip clubs should pay a higher tax rate. Examples: Paint ball dealers, motorcycle dealers, ATV sellers, tobacco shops, beer dealers, drug dealers, roofing companies, violent video game makers, payday check lenders, etc., etc.

Seriously, I think that no legal business should pay a higher sales tax than any other business. Otherwise, what's to stop a governmental body from charging, say, a 50% tax on businesses it doesn't like, such as a Christian bookstore, a foreign book club, a Spanish newspaper, a gun or hunting club, a billiards parlor, a hang gliding company, etc.?

I totally support a nude tax, especially if it is set high enough to ensure that my mother-in-law never, ever takes her clothes off even in private!!!

The intent of the law is what should have the most considerations. It's back to the old badly written laws being interperted word for word instead of the intent. Intent of a law is always a part of the law but overzealous prosecutors seem to have this inate sense that the word is the real intent. Law makers and writers need to reinfoce the intent of the law so that it is clear to any that read it. This new interpertation of a law is a clear attempt to rewrite the law to suit their financial needs. Laws should be written so that their should be no doubt to misinterpet or have other interpertations. Simplicity and concise wording in laws makes for the best laws. And laws should drop any references to vague Latin interpertation as we are an English speaking naiton and the english dictionary not the Latin dictionary should have precedence in its interpetations.

The Government is infringing more and more on the people
Can you believe the State is taking money from these places and there fore being a part of the action?

That missionary store that sells white shirts and ties, then you have those kids come and want to talk religion while I'm working in my yard.

Video stores, fast food, banks, all create negative externalities, and should be taxed.

But they are not.

This is a tax on not wearing clothes, and the right of a consenting adult watching another consenting adult taking their clothes off... No guns, no Drugs-- yet taxed, and as Former Chief Justice John Marshall once said, "The power to tax is the power to destroy."

It's a way to get those sily non-conformist riff-raff out of Utah.

They smile and invite you to church, but vary one degree, they make sure you are not welcome.

Strawmen galore, but no real argument.

It is clear that the social benefit derived from a such miserable business that involve nudity is clearly a negative. Porn destroys families. Ask anyone who was an addict and lsot thier family, job and house. There is no such thing as safe and responsible use of porn for it is a raging addictive substance that will drag all that dabble with it.

That having been said TAX THOSE MISERABLE NUDITY ORIENTED BUSINESS OUT OF BUSINESS! If they feel the taxes are too high perhaps thier customer base should pay hiher pricer. And if thier customer base feels the prices are too high...oh well guess they'll actually have to go find some decent entertainment.

I have to agree with "Rich" on this one. This "Tax" on a select few mentality is just one of many reasons I've decided to Move out of Utah.

In the state I'm moving too. There is no sales tax. Basically what funds the new state i'm moving too is Property Taxes, cigarette and Gasoline taxes.

Imagine this going to Wal-Mart and buying a Fifth of Jack Daniels at half the price i'd have to pay here in Utah that applies to every type of booze.

No sales tax on food and clothing either.

Although I don't drink, I do eat and buy clothes. I'm going to save a ton of money. 22 days and counting and i'm outta here.

What about companies like Comcast that offer adult channels like Playboy, or adult Video on Demand, etc.?

They offer full frontal nudity almost 7X24, including things you could never see it a "club" in Utah.

Thanks Rich.

Great ideas!

Let's raise taxes on all of the mentioned entities!

Signed,

Your local legislator.

They knew the law before they decided to open up a strip club, but they chose to do it anyway, when they could have opened up another type of business that wasn't subjected to the law, and now they're complaining about it? Sorry, I have no sympathy.

That was funny Fair Enough!!

Everything is always brought back to the predominate religious group in the state. Talk about narrow mindedness. People can have an opinion; its as simple as that.

Glad to see the state has a vested interest in this business and earning revenue from it. Wonder how much they earn per year from these types of businesses. Probably enough they would be opposed to ever to shut them down because they don't watn to lose the revenue. Can we say DIRTY MONEY!!

IMO seems that you have a self control problem! Please get help for your addictions. I can see how the theatrical performances can cause porn issues, NOT! Selective taxation by an out of control government.

You all have weak arguments against these taxes, that to an intelligent person makes you look less sophisticated. Most of the arguments you offer can be applied to all taxes of any kind. Mike says he is moving to a state that only taxes �Property Taxes, cigarette and Gasoline taxes.� and this is better because? If the tax goes to benefit the same group? There is much more to refute your arguments but not the patience or time. Your just upset because you might be taxed because your argumentation is so exposed :)

Mike,
I moved from Utah to a state that didn't have sales tax on food. Many commodities were cheaper. If you think you are saving money, you will be disappointed.

Our auto insurance doubled since alcohol was easier to get and so there were more DUI accidents. Gasoline cost more since the gas taxes were higher. Property taxes are outrageous! But... at least we don't pay taxes on our food.

Vices can and should be taxed because of their negative impact on society.

re:all supporters when you become intelligent we the ignornant might listen! a typical neo-con comment.

It's about time they start paying for the damage they do to society.