Feeling the Pain––

Health Clubs Protest New Tax On Memberships

By Dottie Evans

Any Connecticut resident who belongs to a health and fitness club is going to see an increase in monthly bills, thanks to one of Governor John Rowland’s many new tax incentives designed to address the state’s projected $900,000 deficit.

A first-time sales tax of six percent has been tacked on to health club memberships, beginning April 1, 2003, and whether members pay by check or by transfer of electronic funds, their monthly bills will now reflect that change.

Roberta Allen of Curves, a fitness and weight loss center for women located in Sand Hill Plaza, is one of many health club owners who are protesting the tax, though they know that, for now, they must live with it.

“None of us liked it. We wrote letters, but I don’t know how much good it did. The state needs revenue,” Ms Allen said Wednesday.

“It happened very quickly. We only got the information March 20, and the law was passed March 28. Anyone who signed up for a year’s membership after March 1, now we’ve got to prorate their monthly payments.

“I’ve had people say to me, ‘You promised the rate wouldn’t go up,’ but I have to tell them it was the state, not me. I don’t see that money,” she added.

“Curves is targeted to the overweight woman and many clients are not comfortable working out in health clubs that are co-ed,” Ms Allen said.

“So they come to us. They may have a health problem such as diabetes or high blood pressure that can be addressed by exercise,” she added.

“I know my clients are healthier for having come here and many don’t have health insurance. What about the cost of going to the doctor? Shouldn’t we consider going to a health club as preventive medicine?” she asked.

George Arfaras, owner of the Newtown Health & Fitness Club at 23 Commerce Road, was angry about the new six percent tax.

“Personally, I believe the tax is very unfair and shortsighted. It imposes a tax on people who are taking proactive steps in keeping themselves fit and healthy. Ultimately, fitness clubs are the first line of defense regarding good health maintenance. Health club members are less likely to draw on medical services and that helps to keep medical coverage costs lower,” Mr Arfaras said.

He is especially irritated that certain other businesses and recreational clubs were not included in the governor’s tax, such as beach clubs, bowling, golf, hockey, soccer, riding, tennis, and miniature golf.

Ms Allen said she considered such clubs as “luxuries,” and thought that the sports and recreation club members might have been more able to bear the extra tax than many of her members who are watching their pennies and have joined for health reasons only.

Mr Arfaras gave credit to Newtown’s Representative Julia Wasserman who voted against the bill when it came before the state legislature.

“I’m proud of Julia Wasserman, she fought against it. And I don’t understand why Rowland didn’t just veto it. Maybe we should be taxing donut and pastry shops,” he said, because they contribute to the general obesity problem.

“People who work out don’t do it because it’s fun. It’s hard work,” he said, and now he feels his members are being penalized.