Nevada taxable sales jump 11.2 percent in December

By Cy Ryan

Published Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2011 | 2:38 p.m.

Updated Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2011 | 3:41 p.m.

CARSON CITY – Clark County businesses got a boost in December -- especially bars and restaurants.

The state Department of Taxation on Wednesday reported taxable sales at bars and restaurants jumped 17.6 percent compared to a year ago. It was the biggest increase since a 20.4 percent bump in December 2008.

It was also the eighth straight month this business segment showed an increase. Overall, taxable sales on accommodations in Clark County jumped 13.7 percent.

The department said overall taxable sales in Clark County during the month rose 2.8 percent to $2.7 billion. The statewide increase was 11.2 percent.

It was the third straight month that taxable sales have risen in Clark County, signaling a slight rebound amid the recession.

Car sales continued to be strong, posting an 11.2 percent gain and the fourth consecutive month of an increase. But taxable sales on building materials in Clark County dropped 6.3 percent after it had increased by 2.8 percent in November.

The department said the sale of clothing rose 7.2 percent in Clark County, furniture sales increased 3.1 percent and general merchandise inched up 1.6 percent.

Statewide, the bar and restaurant business jumped 15.2 percent and car sales were up 12.3 percent.

The department said statewide revenue from the sales and use tax yielded $315 million, up 7.9 percent from December 2009.

Taxable sales in Washoe County rose 5.6 percent and Carson City reported an increase of 4.9 percent.

Five rural counties reported gains of more than 100 percent in taxable sales in December. Humboldt County led the pack with an increase of 149.3 percent, Esmeralda was up 122.8 percent, Elko was up 119.7 percent,White Pine was up 108 percent and Storey was up 101.1 percent.