Restaurant Owners React to Meals Tax Hike

Last week, North Andover residents decided by the slim margin of 253 to 246 that the from 6.25% to 7%.

The new tax will not go into effect until January 1, 2012, but North Andover’s restaurants owners are already reacting.

“I think it’s absolutely going to hurt business,” said Leslie Carlson, owner of .

“I’ve got a lot of back work to go as far as our new pricing strategy,” she continued.

Carlson did not up her prices when the tax was originally increased from 5% to 6.25%. This time around, things will be different.

“I’m not sure I can continue to do that,” Carlson said. She did not have the opportunity to vote last week as she is not a North Andover resident. She did, however, campaign to keep the tax hike from taking place.

“As part of merchants' association, we took a stand to oppose the meals tax,” Carlson said. “Obviously the town seems to be pretty divided,” she continued.

Carlson did not think it was the proper time for a tax hike.

“It’s disappointing and I think given the fact that we were operating on a balanced budget and not facing any cuts, now is not the time to do this,” Carlson said.

Meanwhile, Jaime Faria, owner of , kept his views a bit more candid.

“When people came in and talked about it I would voice my opinion,” Faria said. “But I don’t want to alienate guests with my views,” he continued.

Faria also didn’t have the opportunity to vote as he is not a North Andover resident.

“I don’t live in town so I can’t vote,” he said. “If I was to vote I would have voted against it,” Faria continued.

Faria pointed out that the tax increase has implications on those who are not even North Andover residents.

“It’s the point of taking money away from non-residents,” Faria said. “A lot of residents come from other towns so they have to pay the price,” he continued.

Business owners will continue to adjust their prices and strategies for the upcoming year. One thing is for sure, the debate has been heated.

“It’s a hot subject,” said Faria. “The town voted on it, they passed it, it is what it is."