PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) – Hundreds of convenience stores across the Commonwealth are planning to protest Governor Youngkin’s skill games amendments Monday and Tuesday.
The Virginia Merchants and Amusement Coalition (VA MAC) will participate in two days of action, from April 15-16, in the hopes of urging Youngkin and members of the General Assembly to reverse the amendments made to SB 212, the skill game regulation bill.
According to the VA MAC, Youngkin’s amendments, such as the 45% tax rate for small businesses and a skill game ban to businesses within 35-miles of any gaming establishment, could potentially close thousands of convenience stores across the state.
Participating stores will stop the sale of Virginia Lottery tickets on Monday, April 15, in the hopes of showcasing the economic impact the closure of these stores could have on the Virginia Lottery, as well as the tax revenue they generate.
Photos provided by the VA MAC show several convenience stores putting up signs letting customers know they will stop the sale of lottery tickets in protest of the proposed ban of skill games.
For Tuesday, April 16, participating stores plan to close from 3:50 to 4:50 p.m. The hour long closure aims show customers, communities and localities the harmful impact Youngkin’s amendments could have.
Check with WAVY.com for more updates.
