A group that supports relaxed liquor laws in Dallas said the expansion of “wet” areas in the city would generate an additional $33.4 million a year in tax revenue for the cash-strapped local government.
Voters will go to the polls in November to decide on whether to eliminate restrictions on beer and wine sales by stores in some areas.
A separate proposal would end the requirement that restaurants in currently dry areas operate as private clubs if they sell alcohol.
City staff officials have estimated the boost in tax revenue at $11 million, while an anti-alcohol group said the move would actually cost Dallas coffers $10 million.
In an economic study financed by the organization seeking to overturn the existing alcohol restrictions, economist Ray Perryman said the move would benefit the businesses and the city.
“The expansion under consideration would clearly generate significant gains in business activity across the area as well as local tax receipts,” Perryman said in the 23-page report.
Andy Siegel, an attorney who represents the opponents, ridiculed those projections.
“These revenue projections are so far wrong, they make Johnny Carson’s 'Carnac’ character look like a serious fortune-teller,” Siegel said in a press release.
