Pay Or Be Shut Down: Harvey Businesses With Liquor Licenses Ordered To Pay Back Taxes
Some business owners say the timing of Harvey collecting back taxes is questionable, as license renewal is right around the corner.
CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The city of Harvey is warning businesses with liquor licenses that they owe back taxes and that it's not sure how much each owes, but if they don't pay they'll be shut down.
Harvey Mayor Christopher Clark said 42 businesses owe millions of dollars in back taxes that an audit revealed had not been paid since 2008. On Monday night, some of those businesses face a suspension in four days if they don't pay up. The only problem is the city can't pinpoint exactly what each business owes.
Rhonda Jackson, manager of Gloria's Lounge, said it is bewildering.
"Prior to this, we've received no notification that we owed any tax, or what tax it was, and how much it is, and where it derived from," Jackson told CBS 2.
"I'd like it in writing. I'd like it clear, concise of what we owe and where it derived from so we can pay it."
The tax has been on the books for 12 years. But now, Harvey Mayor Christopher Clark said it is time to recoup what is owed.
"It's to the tune of millions of dollars," Mayor Clark said. "They had 12 years to figure this out. Twelve years."
CBS 2 asked Mayor Clark with license renewals up, are businesses going to get renewed?
"Probably not, plain and simple," Clark said.
Some, including Jackson, are suggesting the Mayor just wants them out.
"Someone else wants this property; wants this area to do something else, so he's trying to boost us out," Jackson said.
Last year, the Mayor targeted businesses with liquor licenses and ordered bars to close at midnight.
Mayor Clark could not say how many years they will demand back taxes. He said he was still consulting with the legal team in Harvey late Monday.
