Tax relief proposed for small Cleveland music clubs

CLEVELAND (AP) — Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson has offered small music clubs a deal to help defuse a feud over the city’s 8 percent admission tax.

A new mayor’s proposal introduced this week would apply the tax to only 25 percent of ticket money collected by clubs holding up to 250 concert-goers.

The proposal would apply the tax to 50 percent of the money collected by clubs holding 250 to 500.

The Plain Dealer reports Thursday that a club owner leading the tax fight as well as city council members who support the tax relief are celebrating the possibility of a compromise.

Owner Sean Watterson of the Happy Dog tells the paper that the mayor has acknowledged something needs to be done.