(Richmond, IN)--Richmond’s proposed one-percent food and beverage tax received approval from Common Council Monday night in an 8-1 vote.  The new tax is expected to generate between $1 and $1.5 million annually and will be used to fund improvements and maintenance to Richmond’s parks and trails.  Whitewater Gorge improvements are also identified as potential uses for the new revenue.  The new tax will apply to restaurants, bars, and hot or prepared food at groceries and delis.  All other grocery items are exempt.  It means that a $50 tab and a local restaurant will now have an additional 50 cents added.  Lucinda Wright cast the lone dissenting vote Monday night, stating that the tax would be a deterrent to people going out to eat.