Costa Rica lawmakers approve new tax on “love motels” in first debate

(ICR Archive)

August 5^th, 2015 (ICR News) Costa Rica’s Legislative Assembly approved on Tuesday a new tax on so-called “love motels” and similar establishments.

The establishments, where customers typically pull a vehicle directly to a room entrance behind a garage door, as well as massage parlors and nightclubs that rent rooms and hotels that rent rooms without registration, will face a new tax of between 5 and 13 percent depending upon the number of rooms located at the establishment.

The bill creates a new direct tax on behalf of the Joint Institute for Social Aid (IMAS), which will be allocated exclusively to finance a number of programs directed towards individuals and families living in poverty, according to a National Liberation Party (PLN) press release.

The tax, which is also supported by the Citizen Action Party (PAC) is expected to be ratified on Thursday in second debate.