Bedford could tax some food and drink sales

Under the proposal, Bedford's fiscal body may adopt an ordinance imposing a local tax on certain food and drink sales. It covers qualifying food or drink sold by a retail merchant in Bedford for consumption at a place or on equipment the merchant provides. Before adopting the ordinance, the fiscal body must hold a separate public hearing where discussion of the proposed tax is the only substantive agenda item. The tax does not apply to a sale, or the exempt part of a sale, if it is exempt from state retail sales tax. The tax would apply to sales after the later of the date set in the ordinance or the last day of the month after the ordinance is adopted.

Tax receipts would go into a city fund and could be used only for public safety purposes or to pay related obligations. Public safety purposes include police and law enforcement, firefighting and fire prevention, emergency medical and ambulance services, and other public safety work. The city may pledge fund money for bonds, leases, or other obligations incurred for public safety purposes. The tax would terminate, and the chapter would expire, on July 1, 2048.