Meet AC, the convention marketing arm of the city, opposes a proposed bill to increase a hotel tax by $2.00 for two years, to help pay for public safety in Atlantic City.
The small surcharge would go toward the city’s police and fire departments, which could undergo harsh cutbacks as Atlantic City looks to reduce costs.
Opponents to Meet AC’s position agree that hotel taxes & resort fees already are too high, adding almost 19% to a typical resort stay. But these same opponents believe public safety must come first no matter the cost, especially in Atlantic City.
Safe streets are critical to a robust tourism and convention industry in AC. What’s better? Less safe streets in return for saving a few dollars?
‘The Meet AC team is short sighted’ says a local business owner who prefers not to be identified. ‘Two bucks is a small price to pay for a fully-stocked police force. A tourist can handle that.’