Cleveland cuts admissions taxes for indie venues

• Venues with capacities under 150 people were already exempt.

By the numbers: Councilman Kris Harsh, who sponsored the legislation, said the change will cost the city only about $341,000 annually.

Context: Eliminating admissions taxes was one recommendation of the National Independent Venue Association, which last year found that Cleveland's independent stages contribute $742.5 million to Cuyahoga County's GDP.

• That's more than the entire sector produces in 28 states.

What they're saying: "We're anchors in the neighborhoods," Happy Dog owner Sean Watterson told council, citing venues like Beachland Ballroom in Collinwood and the Foundry in Old Brooklyn.

The other side: Councilman Richard Starr was the lone "no" vote. He objected to the exclusion of strip clubs in the legislation.

• "Entertainment is entertainment," he argued.