Possible meals tax hike in Greenfield

GREENFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Grabbing some grub in Greenfield may soon cost you more.

Mayor Christine Forgey is asking the legislature to allow the town to impose a 2 percent meals tax on top of the statewide 5 percent that's already charged.

Bart Sax, owner of Bart's Cafe in downtown Greenfield, is worried the proposed hike could scare away customers at a time when businesses are struggling to stay open.

"We are doing going great, not dying either, " said Alan Sax, owner of Bart's Café of Greenfield. "We are just hanging in there. I'm really not looking for anything that is going to discourage people from coming in."

Customers 22news spoke with said if the meals tax passed, they would consider eating more home cooked meals.

" I would I would think twice. I would make some changes in how frequently I go out, " said Ashani Petrizzi.

Mayor Forgey said the meals tax idea wouldn't work unless the revenues stay at the local level and fund local services.