Municipalities from Carmel to Culver City are increasing their sales taxes anywhere from a quarter to a half-cent on every dollar of sales. The tax hikes were approved by the voters.
Officials said the raise is in addition to the quarter-percent statewide increase that began in Jan. 1, following the passage of Proposition 30.
Three Southern California cities are among those boosting their rates.
The cities of Commerce and Culver City will have a one-half percent increase, to 9.5 percent and La Mirada's sales tax goes up one percent, for a total of 10 percent, which is the highest rate in the state.
Seven Star Liquor store owner Kamil Mikhail is worried the increase in taxes in La Mirada will deter customers from shopping.
"It will make the business slow down," Mikhail said.
Employees at O'Reilly Auto Parts weren't too worried about losing business because they don't sell too many high-priced items. But larger purchases like groceries, for example, will mean there's more to pay which might lead customers to shop in neighboring cities where the sales tax is cheaper.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
