On Thursday, The Demopolis City Council approved a sales tax holiday for the weekend of Aug. 7-9. During that time, customers will be able to buy school-related items without having to pay sales tax.

City, county and state officials are all taking part, allowing Demopolis shoppers to disregard the additional 9-percent sales tax usually added on to their purchases.

Several local businesses had positive responses to the sales tax holiday.

“Anything to save money is good; any and all that helps,” said Family Dollar store manager Luana Scott.

“We at Factory Connection look forward to the tax-free weekend,” said Shirley Spencer, store manager of Factory Connection. “It gives us a chance to give our customers an added bonus. It will also give customers a great chance to buy and save more, especially during this time of recession.”

“We feel like it’s a positive thing and will encourage people to shop in Demopolis,” said Coleman Rankin, sales associate of Perfect Touch.

“The sales tax holiday is a good benefit for the city,” said Von Smith, store manager of Athlete’s Foot. “I feel the sales tax holiday should be extended because some parents are not able to shop for their children only on the weekends.”

Council member and store owner Bill Meador was happy to see the return of the tax-free holiday.

“I think the sales tax holiday for folks with children is a good thing,” he said. “It gives families some relief from having to spend more money than they have to spend, because so much is spend for back-to-school items. As a city councilman, I was very happy to have this tax holiday passed.”

Local shoppers also felt good about the sales tax holiday.

“I need all the help I can get when it comes to buying my kids schools clothes and supplies,” said Joseph James of Demopolis.

Even out-of-town customers gave their opinion about the sales tax holiday.

“I think it’s a good thing, and it’s also beneficial to the parents, students and all school personnel,” said Gaboria Shields of Columbus, Miss.

Her son, Anthony Hatchett also of Columbus, Miss. said, “I like it.”

The sales tax holiday comes at a time when students and parents are buying back-to-school supplies and clothing.

“It will be a benefit for the parents and the children and also help prepare them for school,” said Gina Johnston, director of federal programs and secondary curriculum for the Demopolis City School System.

The tax-free holiday provides some help at a time when many families need it most, during the back-to-school shopping season. It’s more summertime relief from the heat felt at the check-out counter.