I think this is ridiculous. It is not the restaurants that litter, it is the people who do. And although they now will have to pay more, they will still litter! What about everything else they buy and toss? This just seems wrong.
Fast-food trash be gone! Oakland City Council to vote on tax on restaurants and convenience stores to help clean up litter on the streets. February 6, 2006: 1:23 PM EST
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) - Some Oakland, Calif. residents are sick and tired of tripping over burger wrappers and soda cans, and the city is ready to do something about it.
The Oakland City Council is proposing a tax on fast-food restaurants, gas station markets, liquor stores and convenience stores that serve take-out food or beverages.
Councilwoman Jane Brunner, who wrote the legislation, estimates that the tax will raise approximately $237,000 a year, which would cover the cost of a clean-up crew and the initial purchase of trucks and equipment to keep the streets and sidewalks surrounding the city's schools litter-free.
The eight-member Oakland City Council is expected to vote on the ordinance Tuesday.
If approved, Oakland would be the first city in the U.S. to force restaurants and stores to chip in to clean up the mess, according to reports.
That is just stupid! How is it the business fault? It's the lazy people of today that litter. Just like if you have an ashtray in your car, why do you throw your butts out the window?I am an ex-smoker & I don't get it.
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Just like if you have an ashtray in your car, why do you throw your butts out the window?I am an ex-smoker & I don't get it.
Absolutely. I see that every friggin day, and it confounds me. P.S. - Kudos to you for bing an "ex."
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I agree, that is silly. But I would guess the reasoning is that if they charge the resturants the tax, they'll pass the extra charge on to the customers. Isn't there a town in California that is charging for plastic bags for the same reason?
I know that is what they are trying to do, but litterbugs throw away more than just food wrappers. And do they not have weekend criminals who need to do community service? That is how our roads get cleaned.
For about 7 years, while she had kids that were stroller age, she'd go for walks with them in the nicer weather, eigther just for fun, or to go to the store and stuff.
She'd ALWAYS tie a couple big hefty bags on the back handles of the stroller and pick up every peice of trash she passed along the walk.
You know, I actually had an aunt who DOES that. For about 7 years, while she had kids that were stroller age, she'd go for walks with them in the nicer weather, eigther just for fun, or to go to the store and stuff. She'd ALWAYS tie a couple big hefty bags on the back handles of the stroller and pick up every peice of trash she passed along the walk. I always thought that was the neatest thing.
Neat and neat...
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"Tell me, does it move you, Does it soothe you, Does it fill your heart and soul with the roots of rock & roll? When you can't get through it you can listen to it with a 'na na na na', Well I've been there before" -"Been There Before" by Hanson
I wouldn't worry to much about it passing the city council , Would you want EVERY restaurant owner and EVERY place that sells a coke mad at you ? Not unless I DIDN'T intend to run for re- election. Also - someone dumps a hot water heater in an alley , you going to tax home depot ?
