Up for potential repeal is an odd tax in Washington State. The Dance Tax imposes a tax on taverns and clubs that include cover charges and offer guests “an opportunity to dance.” It also states that tax must be collected by businesses that charge admission and play music. Considering all the fee's imposed on tickets of any sort this is no big surprise. Then again- is this tax buried in cover charges? Most likely.
The big controversy is that traditional stadium 'concerts' are not taxed. Twisted I know, but that is considered 'entertainment' rather than dancing is entertaining yourself? I personally think there must be fees and taxed embedded but since they're not itemized you're none the wiser.
The Department of Revenue noted in a statement that only “a handful of businesses that failed to collect sales tax on cover charges they imposed on customers to enter dance venues” have protested. “Most of their competitors were properly collecting sales tax when due, and if businesses weren't’t sure whether or not they should collect the tax in a given situation, all they had to do was ask. They didn't’,” the statement said.
The issue is now before the state senate. To revoke this dance tax would be wrong. But perhaps increase the visibility of the tax in concert tickets so people done feel as screwed. As for dance clubs, you all look hilarious anyway. I say pay up.