Cuyahoga County Sin Tax Increase for Stadium Repairs

planned

Cuyahoga County officials and Cleveland’s pro sports teams proposed tripling or quadrupling the county’s sin tax on alcohol and cigarettes to generate more revenue for repairs at Progressive Field, Rocket Arena, and the Cleveland Browns' new stadium. The increase requires state approval and voter referendum. The current sin tax has remained unchanged since 1990 and generates $13-14 million annually, which is split evenly among the three stadiums for maintenance. The proposed increase aims to raise around $56 million annually to cover rising repair costs and funding gaps.