The Stranger
Cienna Madrid has an interesting piece in this week’s Stranger in which she talks to several Seattle bar and club owners who say they’ve been told to cough up thousands and thousands of dollars in taxes they didn’t think they owed. Department of Revenue spokesman Mike Gowrylow says the tax in question – applying to “Amusement, recreation and physical fitness services” – is nothing new and pointed people with questions to these sources:

· An article on “amusement and recreational services” that similarly has the “opportunity to dance” language.
· The Department’s online Taverns and Service Bars guide addresses “opportunity to dance” (see “Cover Charges” discussion).
· Another official explanation, addressing charges for the “opportunity to dance.