Boxoffice (Oct-Dec 1962)

Sarra Sees Opportunity for Full Repeal Of 10 Per Cent Federal Admission Tax MIAMI BEACH — Speaking before a forum session on “Exhibition and the Law” at the 15th annual convention of Theatre Owners of America here, E. LaMar Sarra of Florida State Theatres, Jacksonville, chairman of the state and local legislation committee of TOA, outlined potential legislation expected to be presented during the 1963 legislative sessions affecting motion picture exhibition throughout the nation. Sarra emphasized the need for viligance on the part of the industry toward adverse legislation, and pointed out that of the 16 permanent TOA committees, six are devoted exclusively to legal problems besetting exhibition. WARNS ON WAGE BILL On the national level, Sarra predicted that Congress might attempt to amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to increase its coverage and raise minimum wages. He said exhibition must be alert to retain its hard-won exemption. He warned that a further attempt probably would be made in 1963 for a censorship bill in the District of Columbia in view of the wording of Pi-esident Kennedy’s “Memorandum of Disapproval” of this year’s measure. In addition, Sarra said that exhibition may have an opportunity to “strike for complete repeal” of the existing 10 per cent admission tax. Sarra said the three most dangerous threats on the state level are sales and use taxes or gross receipts tax which either includes or tries to include admissions and film rentals: censorship, mandatory classification and review boards; general enabling acts in w'hich local governments are permitted to levy excise taxes in duplication of levies by the state on the same sale or transaction. Other state level threats foreseen by Sarra include daylight saving time, Sunday closings, occupational licenses, seat taxes, etc. ON SALES AND USE TAX Sarra detailed the work of exhibition in each of the three “dangerous” areas in years past. As of this date, he said, 38 states have enacted and are now collecing sales and use or gross receipts taxes. Nineteen of such states include within the framework an admissions tax, while ten states have a specific admission tax levy. He urged exhibitors also to take vigorous action to block passage of general enabling acts permitting counties and cities to levy excise taxes. Of censorship and classification, Sarra said he expected censorship legislation to be introduced next year in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Mai-yland, Illinois, Florida, Texas, California, West Vii'ginia, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Georgia and Oregon among others. Re-Elect NAC Officers For Anofher Year MIAMI BEACH— All officers of the National Ass’n of Concessionaires were reelected at the annual membership meeting Friday (9) at the Americana Hotel, Bal Harbour, following luncheon. Re-elected were: President Augie J. Schmitt, Houston Popcorn & Supply Co., Houston, Tex.; executive vice-president, Edward S. Redstone, Northeast Drive-In Theatres Corp., Boston; second vice-president Sydney Spiegel, Super Pufft Popconi, Ltd., Toronto, Canada; and treasurer Harold F. Chesler, Theatre Candy Co., Salt Lake City. James O. Hoover, Martin Theatres, Columbus, Ga., was elected first vicepresident to fill a vacancy on the board. Spiro J. Papas, Alliance Amusement Co., Chicago, will continue as board chairman. Segment directors recently elected by mail ballot for four-year terms were installed at the meeting. Clifford Lorbeck, Server Sales, Inc., Menomonee Falls, Wis., was re-elected to represent the equipment manufacturer segment, and Welcome I. Weaver, Weaver Popcorn Co., Van Buren, Ind., was re-elected to represent the popcorn processor-manufacturer-wholesale and merchandiser segment. Newly elected directors are Loyal Haight, W. S. Butterfield Theatres, to represent the concessionaire and automatic merchandiser segment, and Irving A. Singer, Rex Packaging Division, the Bon Ami Co., New York City, to represent the supplier segment. Retiring board members were given a vote of thanks and presented with plaques inscribed with their names and the years they have served NAC in an official capacity. They are H. E. Chrisman, Cretors & Co., Nashville, retiring first vice-president and membership chairman; John D. Reynolds, Castleberry’s Food Co., Augusta, Ga., who served as director representing the supplier segment for four years; and Julian Lefkowitz, L & L Concessions Co., Detroit, who was appointed in 1961 to fill a vacancy on the concessionaire and automatic merchandising segment. President Schmitt spoke enthusiastically of the progress made by NAC during the past year, and praised Louis L. Abramson who became executive director in May for the manner in which he had taken hold and organized the convention and tradeshow and association program in just six months. Second vice-president Spiegel reported on six regional conferences held during 1962 in Dallas, Kansas City, Toronto, New York City, Atlanta and Portland, and said it is anticipated that at least three more such meetings will be planned for 1963. Jim Hutton in Appearances HOLLYWOOD — Following five days in New York for the opening of MGM’s “Period of Adjustment,” Jim Hutton left for a series of appearances in Chicago, St. Louis, Dallas and Miami, where he attended the Theatre Owners of America convention. E. LaMar Sarra BOXOFFICE :: November 19, 1962