NASHVILLE, Tenn. - There's a move on Tennessee's Capitol Hill to impose a huge tax increase on just about every facet of the adult entertainment business.
It's a bill that would impose a 25% tax on "strippers, escort services, pornography, pornographic material, things like that," explained Senate sponsor Stacey Campfield.
Campfield, a Republican from Knoxville, said it would raise more than $55 million that would be used to reduce the state sales tax on food items.
The senator said there is a precedent for the so-called "porn tax", with the so-called "sin taxes" presently in place.
"The [rate proposed] is very similar to things we tax like cigarettes and alcohol," said Campfield.
In addition to places with strippers or adult-oriented protects, "hotels and motels would be greatly affected by this as would the cable companies," because of the X-rated video they supply according to adult entertainment lobbyist Tracy O'Neill.
The porn tax bill as written would also cost performers like those who dance at adult clubs.
They would have to pay a privilege tax, or $400 yearly like the privilege tax now levied against such occupations as lobbyists and accountants.
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