A note from a minor tax revolt in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, from the El Paso Herald-Post:
Juarez City Council Hits at Tax Rebels
The Juarez City Council struck back at tax rebels by levying fines against 203 bars, restaurants, and liquor stores.
Although Mayor Humberto Escobar said the action was not a reprisal, the fines were ordered after the Bar Owners Union announced it would refuse to pay tax increases totaling 400,000 pesos ($32,000).
The fines, ranging from 200 to 500 pesos, were assessed for a variety of reasons, officials said. Charges against the owners included selling of liquor without a license, improper display of licenses, and illegal use of juke boxes.
Pablo Torres, spokesman for the cafe proprietors, said the owners would be willing to pay the tax increases if there was any assurance the money would benefit the public. “We don’t want to sacrifice our businesses so that certain persons can add to their private fortunes,” he said.
