News release from the city:
Mayor Greg Nickels this week signed legislation authorizing
an admissions tax exemption for live music venues in Seattle. The
exemption becomes effective in July. The current admissions tax is 5
percent on every dollar of ticket sales. The exemption will benefit
venues that have live music on a regular basis.“Seattle has a great tradition of cutting-edge music that gives our
city its soul. But in the past few years, we’ve seen six of our live
music venues close and only one open. With this legislation, we are
making it easier for live music venues to not only get started, but also
thrive in Seattle,” said Nickels.The tax exemption will provide an incentive for business owners to
offer live music in Seattle, enhance the city’s cultural appeal, and
bolster economic development in a variety of neighborhoods.The city estimates that up to 65 live music venues will take advantage
of the admissions tax exemption. To be eligible, a live music venue
must:
● Have an established certificate of occupancy of less than 1,000
people;
● Host or present live music on average at least three times per week
on a regular schedule;
● Hire on average at least 16 musicians per week; and
● Have committed no more than three violations of any one or more
civil or criminal laws concerning public health, noise, licensing,
taxing or permitting in the calendar year preceding or during the date
the admission tax is due.
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