Quote from zdreg:
here is proof that governments never learn.
Yesterday, 1st September 2012
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Spanish arts fear tax hike tipping point
Spanish art institutions, already feeling the pinch of funding cuts, fear a steep hike in taxes on tickets to cultural events from Saturday could push them over the edge.
As of Sept. 1, Spain's tax rate for a range of cultural activities will jump to 21 percent from 8 percent as part of a wider government plan to boost revenues, cut the deficit and avoid a full-blown European bailout....
The arts industry warns that the tax hike will lead to a sharp drop in spectators, the closure of cinemas and yet more job losses in a country where unemployment is already running at 25 percent.
The associations , grouped together as UAEICE, said the tax hike would drive away 43 million spectators, cost 530 million euros ($662 million) in lost ticket sales, 4,500 jobs and lead to the closure of 20 percent of music, film and scenic art companies.
And, according to a study by global accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), the government will have less than nothing to show for it, as its annual take from the arts would actually fall by nearly 10 million euros after the tax hike.