COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A judge has denied the Columbus Zoo's request to temporarily block Liberty Township from collecting a tax on admissions.
The lawsuit has ties to House Bill 315, which was passed in April 2024 and allows townships to tax up to $1 per admission ticket to provide for fire and emergency medical services. The zoo claims the law was meant to apply to large concert venues. Liberty Township, however, is seeking to use the law to tax zoo admissions.
The zoo filed a motion seeking to temporarily block the township from taxing admissions while the lawsuit plays out in court. Watch previous coverage in the player above.
Columbus Zoo launches campaign for levy renewalJudge James P. Shuck said the zoo classifies as an "entertainment venue" and therefore falls under the scope of the law. Shuck also ruled that the township's resolution does not require the zoo to pass on the tax to guests so the zoo cannot claim harm.
Shuck disagreed with the zoo's notion that it is a private, not-for-profit zoological institution.
"For instance, now through October 5th, the Zoo has invited the public to come to its premises for a Lantern Festival," Shuck wrote. "And, of course, one of the best known holiday attractions in Ohio is Columbus Wildlights. The fact that the Zoo is also a conservation and education institution does not alter the fact that it is also a major central Ohio entertainment venue."
The fee is scheduled to go into effect on Monday. Neither Liberty Township nor the Columbus Zoo have responded yet to NBC4's request for comment.
Hence then, the article about judge denies columbus zoo request to temporarily block township from taxing admissions was published today ( ) and is available on NBC4 ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Judge denies Columbus Zoo request to temporarily block township from taxing admissions )
Also on site :