Lamar Advertising fighting Pittsburgh tax

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh City Council has voted to levy a 10 percent excise tax on billboards, but Baton Rouge outdoor advertising company Lamar Advertising says it will fight the plan in court.

The council on Monday voted 7-2 to impose the tax. The city says the tax could generate up to $4 million annually.

But an attorney for Lamar Advertising said billboards are protected under the First Amendment.

Jonathan Kamin said Lamar will sue in federal court if the bill gets final approval next week.

Last month, Lamar used area billboards to criticize council members who proposed the tax.

Comments

1) Comment by Being_Stupid - 20/11/2012

First hotels, then billboards, sooner or later there will be an excise tax on your particular business. Replacing private sector jobs for makers with government jobs for takers. Welcome to the United Socialist States of America. Your business must pay its mandatory dues to the greater collective.

2) Comment by Woody - 20/11/2012

billboards are protected by the first amendment? seriously?

3) Comment by zigzag - 20/11/2012

I wish they would ban them! I'm sick of seeing all the clutter of billboards everywhere in Louisiana.