Those in the industry who spoke to CBS News Chicago said their margins are already so slim that an increased liquor tax could drive business owners to close their doors.

Bar owners are pushing back against a liquor tax hike proposal from Mayor Brandon Johnson that they say would ultimately decrease tax revenue. “Balance your budget like I do. Manage like I have to,” Robert Gomez said.

Those in the industry who spoke to CBS News Chicago said their margins are already so slim that an increased liquor tax could drive business owners to close their doors—and customers to drink outside the city.

They're expected to vote down Mayor Brandon Johnson's $300 million property tax hike proposal. Mayor Brandon Johnson wouldn't commit on Tuesday when asked if he would support possible alternatives to his proposal to raise property taxes to close a nearly $1 billion budget gap for 2025.

The mayor and council members are now negotiating hikes to taxes and fees on alcohol, streaming services and garbage collection, among others.

Mayor Brandon Johnson has said he's willing to negotiate with the City Council on his proposed budget, but wouldn't commit to any specific alternatives.

The Chicago City Council on Thursday rejected Mayor Brandon Johnson’s plan to raise property taxes by $300 million that would have helped close a budget gap of nearly $1 billion for next year.

WGN Political Analyst Paul Lisnek joined WGN Evening News to discuss several big stories from the week. This week's topics include alders rejecting Mayor Johnson's proposed $300 million property tax hike,

In a special meeting, Chicago's City Council voted unanimously to remove the mayor's proposed $300 million property tax increase from the 2025 budget plan. Why it matters: The removal of the tax hike will force Mayor Brandon Johnson to make hard decisions on other ways to generate more revenue or where to make cuts to city services.