Change.Org Petition Demands Cancellation of Texas Business Taxes to Lessen Impact of Coronavirus on Bars, Restaurants | Eater Austin

"Co-founded by Stephanie Houston, this Hill Country distillery launched a petition urging the State of Texas to cancel or delay monthly mixed‑beverage gross receipts and sales tax payments to provide immediate cash relief during the COVID‑19 pandemic. The petition — signed by over 2,000 people — highlights sharply reduced foot traffic and revenue (Houston reported slower business) and stresses that customer‑facing operations are both more exposed to illness and among the first to suffer economic losses. It argues that postponing tax payments would help keep establishments open and allow them to pay employees; the effort is aimed at attracting the attention of the governor and state comptroller. As of the report, the comptroller had not postponed the March 20 tax deadline, and Houston noted that while federal tax credits exist, they do not solve immediate cash‑flow problems." - Nadia Chaudhury