COLUMBUS, Ohio (WTVN)--Columbus City Council has approved a "ticket tax" for admission to sporting events, concerts, and movies in the city, following public feedback and a compromise.
The Greater Columbus Arts Council originally proposed a 7-percent fee, to fund arts programs in central Ohio, and for maintenance of Nationwide Arena.
Push-back from groups like Ohioans for Responsible Taxation, along with executives from the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Arnold Sports Festival, saying that tax would hurt their bottom line.
Council came up with the compromise of 5-percent, which would raise $3-million a year. More than 80-percent of that money would go to Nationwide Arena.
That compromise led to the CBJ and "The Arnold" being on board.
The tax would not apply to non-profit organizations, or to collegiate athletics, like Ohio State football. it would also not apply to tickets that cost less than 10-dollars.
It goes into effect on July 1st, 2019.
(photo courtesy ABC-6)