Some Cite Beer and Wine in Sales Tax Revenue Hikes

EAST TEXAS — Tyler is just one of several East Texas cities where sales tax revenue is up. According to KETK, that may be due to legalized alcohol sales. Tom Mullins (pictured) of the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce and Tyler Economic Development Council says it’s “pretty clear to us” that beer and wine sales are one of the biggest reasons for Tyler’s 8% sales tax spike over last March. Meanwhile, Tyler City Manager Mark McDaniel is withholding comment; he says more info should be available in a few weeks on which sectors of industry subject to sales and use tax might be up. Noonday, located inside newly wet Smith County Justice Precinct 2, saw a sales tax revenue increase of over 45% from a year ago. Noonday Mayor Mike Turman says alcohol sales have helped his city more than he expected.