What about the Economic Burdens on Small Businesses

Boston’s small businesses have taken a few economic left hooks this winter, dropping sales with each punch.

Only a series of standing eight counts have allowed them a little time to remain on their feet, preventing the knockout blow.

Now, between rounds, the Boston City Council has delivered an over-hand right, in the form of a two-percent increase on alcohol sales that could send them to the canvas for the count.

Round one began with a home-rule petition filed by Council President Bill Linehan and Councilor Frank Baker to raise $20 million to fund drug addiction recovery efforts in Boston by levying a two-percent tax on alcohol sales.

Round two saw small businesses striking back, jabbing at the potential tax that could cost possible bankruptcies or businesses moving out of the city due to loss of revenue.

Round three contained no real action as the Council held a public meeting to discuss the bill that would generate more funds leading to an increase in the effectiveness of long-term drug and alcohol treatment.

The meeting set the stage for a fourth round, another public meeting to do the same thing, a replay of round three, before the bill goes before the Counsel for a vote which will be round five, if it gets that far.

If approved by the Council, round six will need the approval of the Mayor, pending there are no blows beneath the belt.

A mayoral signature will force a round seven with the State Legislature that could be a brawl depending on how businesses fight back, or in political terms, lobbying.

Round eight would need the Governor’s signature for the bill to be enacted. If he doesn’t sign it, then the bill will return to the Legislature to override the veto in round nine.

There appears to be no round ten at this point but who knows.

The bill reads, “The effects of substance abuse in Boston are crippling local neighborhoods and place economic burdens on several resources…”

Maybe, just maybe, the economic burdens of these small businesses need to be considered.

Or maybe, just maybe, the bill will be defeated somewhere along the line.

Let’s not deliver a low-blow to small businesses.