Gun store owners in Colorado Springs are already feeling the pressure of a newly implemented 6.5% excise tax, following the passage of Proposition KK by more than half of local voters. The tax, which took effect on April 1, applies to sales of guns, ammunition, and related parts, and is intended to fund crucial mental health services for veterans, domestic violence victims, and school safety programs.
Local businesses report a surge in transactions just before the tax took effect, but now face disappointed customers who must absorb the new costs. Justin Green, owner of SDS Guns, notes the low-profit margins in the industry make customer retention challenging, especially when neighboring states offer cheaper alternatives. This fiscal strain raises questions about the long-term viability of small gun shops in the region.
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