Instead of Revenue, Vices Rise at Winter Games
From Times Wire Reports
Hosting the Olympics was not a big money-maker for Utah, tax reports show.
Tax revenue increased 0.07% from February 2001 to February 2002, a difference of $200,000.
People were drinking and smoking more. Wine and liquor sales were up 16.5% in February. Cigarette tax collections were up 50%.
The figures were reported by the Deseret News.
Still, organizers said they consider the Winter Games a success. “Our mission was to put on great games and not leave taxpayers with a deficit,” said Salt Lake Organizing Committee President Fraser Bullock.
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