A House committee is mulling over a bill that could lead to raised taxes on alcohol. Supporters call it an “impact fee” or “user fee” – not a tax hike. Call it what you will, it would increase revenues from the sale of alcoholic beverages. Representative Bill Deeken of Jefferson City, the sponsor, says legislative approval of this bill would send the proposal to a vote of the people. But Anheuser-Busch lobbyist John Britton, an opponent, says a ballot initiative would be a bad idea. he doesn’t think Missourians would have enough information on which to make an informed vote. Among the proposed increases: 18 cents a gallon on beer, 36 cents a gallon on wine, and $2 a gallon on distilled spirits. The money would pay for drug and alcohol prevention, intervention, treatment, rehabilitation, and support for recovery.

Related web sites:
House Bill 1162