(October 1, 2008)
PITTSBURGH — County Treasurer John Weinstein has announced that in an effort to keep his word and collect all unpaid monthly Alcoholic Beverage Taxes, and in accordance with the Allegheny County Alcoholic Beverage Tax Official Rules and Regulations adopted by County Council and signed into law by the Chief Executive, beginning today -  October 1, 2008 - the County will be publish a list on the official County Webpage of all delinquent Allegheny County liquor license holders (Vendors) who have collected and failed to pay the Alcoholic Beverage Tax due.  Out of the nearly 2000 establishments in the County, there are approximately 45 who have failed to comply or 2.25%.  These delinquent accounts total approximately $500,000.00 due to Allegheny County.  To view the list of delinquent accounts, go to the county webpage of www.alleghenycounty.us under the ‘Quick Links’ heading on the home page select ‘Delinquent Alcohol Tax Accounts.’

Prior to publishing the Vendor’s name on this delinquent list, the County has confirmed that each Vendor is collecting the Tax from its patrons, but failing to remit the Tax to the County.  The County has attempted to collect the Tax from each Vendor listed through providing the Rules and Regulations and appropriate forms to the Vendors in advance of the first monthly required return.  The County has also, through telephone calls; a progression of written correspondence sent certified mail and through a series of personal visits to the Vendor’s establishment, attempted to obtain payment from each Vendor.  Each Vendor was given every opportunity to pay the Tax due and was notified that their name would appear on this list if the Tax was not paid. Every reasonable effort has been made for final resolution prior to notifying the public of the delinquent accounts.

“97.75% of the bars/restaurants in the County have worked with us and have done a great job complying with the law; I thank them for that.  My office has been very diligent about contacting these other delinquent establishments and has given them more than ample time to remit the funds they collected from their customers.  Some of these bars/restaurants have never paid the tax but collected the money from their customers for months and are just ignoring the law,” stated Treasurer Weinstein, “You can not collect money that is not yours and keep it”. 

A Vendor’s failure to pay the amount due will result in a civil court action being filed in the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas and judgment entered against the Vendor and the liquor license.  Upon entry of judgment, the County may satisfy its judgment be selling the Vendor’s assets, including the liquor license.  The Vendor will also be responsible for paying all penalties, interest and court costs. The delinquent Vendor will also be subject to criminal prosecution, including fines, costs and/or imprisonment.  

The County’s initial list will be published today - October 1, 2008.  Vendors who want to be removed from this list should immediately contact the Allegheny County Special Tax Division toll free at 877-893-7465.  Only those who make a payment in full will be removed from this list.  Any establishments that have not paid the Tax due are urged to resolve all unpaid Tax liabilities immediately.  Once the name appears on the list, it will remain there until all Taxes are paid in full.  Any Vendor who fails to pay the Tax on or after October 1, 2008 will not be notified prior to their name being placed on the list. Allegheny County will update this list weekly. Those who resolve their Tax liabilities will be removed from the list at that time. 

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Please call County Treasurer John Weinstein with questions at 412-350-5901

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