The Beachland Ballroom & Tavern's future is in jeopardy after the city of Cleveland appealed a March ruling at the last minute on April 11 which stated that the concert venue should only have to pay the back admissions taxes it owed, and not what it accrued in interest and penalties. If Cleveland is successful in getting the ruling over turned, which would mean Beachland would be on the hook for the $119,320 owed in back taxes plus the $285,707 accrued in interest and penalties, Beachland co-owner Cindy Barber says that the concert club would have to shut its doors.
The $119,320 tax bill is in itself steep, but Barber says that Beachland was working to increase its cash flow in a way that would allow it to eventually pay down the debt.
Beachland is planning to grow its business by expanding food sales and its vintage store, which sells old accessories, apparel, and records. The venue also hosts a popular Sunday brunch, which they've recently expanded to Saturdays. Barber also reveals that they're planning to serve lunch seven days a week, and have informed the city of their plans to increase business.
In recent years, city of Cleveland officials have aggressively pursued concert club venues in the city to make good on back admissions taxes. This has inspired local clubs to lobby for exemption from the admissions tax law, arguing that the nature of the music business already forces them to operate on a slim budget.