By By Matthew Nascone
The retail merchants in Atmore were treated to a day of Paradise Wednesday during the Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce's Business Before Hours at Annie's Community Cup.
As representatives from local businesses sipped on their cups of java, John Paradise, the Alabama Department of Revenue community liaison, spoke to the group about the upcoming Alabama Back to School Sales Tax Holiday.
"We wanted to go around to various cities in the state and let the retailers be aware that the holiday is coming and be familiar with what will happen," Paradise said. "We need to make sure they understand all things are not going to qualify. And we also want to let them know we will be there to help if they need it."
The holiday will take place Aug. 4-6 and a list of all the covered items in the sale can be found on the Alabama Department of Revenue's Web site at www.revenue.alabama.gov/salestax/SalesTaxHol.htm or on the Alabama Retail Association's Web site at www.alabamaretail.com.
In Atmore, during the holiday citizens will not pay city or state tax, but a county tax will still be levied on any purchase as the Escambia County Commission voted not to uphold the rule.
Paradise said if anyone has any questions about the holiday they could call the Department of Revenue at 334-242-1490 or 866-576-6531. The department's normal work day hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Hours during the three-day holiday will be different. On Friday and Saturday there will be someone answering the phones from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. On Sunday the phone lines will be open from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Emilie Mims, the Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce executive director, said if any of the retailers in the Atmore area were not able to attend the meeting Wednesday they can call the Chamber at 368-3305 for information on the sales tax holiday.