Del Ray Business Association Issues Letter to Alexandria Mayor and City Council Opposing Meals Tax Increase
Madam Mayor and Members of City Council,
The Del Ray Business Association would like to go on record as strongly opposed to the proposed increase in the meals tax. The DRBA Board has voted unanimously to send this letter
in opposition the increase.
Our small business-centric community in the Mount Vernon Avenue corridor is made up of
many mom and pop businesses, a large proportion of which are restaurants. In the past few days, as many have become aware of this proposal, we have heard loudly from our members, both restaurant and retail, who have serious concerns. The proposed tax will change the way people spend money on meals. While it may not seem like much, in an industry with very thin margins, it’s the pennies that add up to keep the doors open and our main street vibrant.
Everyone loves the small business community in Alexandria and these small businesses do so much to support our non-profits, schools, and communities. They don’t ask for much in return so it is our duty to support them on stopping a tax, which will fundamentally hurt their bottom line. Please reconsider this vastly unpopular tax; supporting small business should be more than just a campaign promise on your election brochure. This issue is real and has profound negative effects on the backbone of our membership and community.
Historically, the Del Ray Business Association has not often weighed in on matters before
council. We hope that our concerns on this topic will be taken seriously as we do not often use our voice. As an association where most of our business owners, and a majority of their
employees live in Alexandria, we understand firsthand the importance of affordable housing.
We feel this is a critical issue that deserves to be addressed citywide with solutions placed on entities other than just our small business restaurants.
Respectfully,
Suzanne Kovalsky & the DRBA Board of Directors
President
571-237-2449
cc: DRBA Members
