Eating out will cost 2% more in Chapin starting Feb. 1, 2020.

Despite early opposition, the Chapin Town Council approved a 2% hospitality tax on prepared food.

Town officials expect more than $300,000 annually for revitalization and beautification, improvements, marketing and town-sponsored events.

Councilmen Al Koon said the tax would have a separate budget presented monthly at town halls.

Koon said it was going to require a lot of reporting and transparency on how the town spends the money.

Councilmen Mike Clonts initially opposed it because there was no plan on how to manage or spend the money. He said he was confident the council had developed a plan on how to use the money wisely.

Mike Irons, owner of the Sonic in Chapin said, “I am in agreement with the upgrades in the town, but I have seen it go too far.

“I just don’t want the tax to be abused.”