Alcohol tax pits supporters against liquor industry

By By RACHEL LEVEN, Capital News Service

Published 03/11/10

ANNAPOLIS - Supporters of a dime-a-drink tax told a Senate committee Wednesday they need the fee in order to provide essential funds for mental health, disabilities and substance abuse programs to Marylanders. But opponents claimed the alcohol tax would deprive retailers of their livelihood in the midst of an economic recession.

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The Lorraine Sheehan Health and Community Services Act of 2010, which was presented to the Senate Budget and Taxation committee, would tax each drink of alcohol an extra 10 cents.

The proceeds of the tax would go towards health care, substance abuse treatment and prevention, and developmental disabilities...

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Comment removed by HometownAnnapolis staff. - 2010-03-13 19:22:27

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tax - 2010-03-11 16:53:33

TAX THE BIG MAC AND LARGE ORDER OF FRIES!!!!!!!!

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jim pearson - seaford, de - Karma: Terrible

Tax, Tax, and When in Doubt Tax Aga - 2010-03-11 15:30:50

"If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidise it."

Tax the alcohol industry into submission today. When the industry is sufficiently hurting, then we'll pass new laws to pick them back up again.

It's cyclical.

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A K - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent

tax.... - 2010-03-11 15:11:37

gosh.....lawmakers want to tax us....but it's all for us...it's for our own good...and a great program...but of course if at any time we want to cut this great program and redirect your tax money...we will...because in reality... we don't care what you want...we just want your tax dollars...and once we get them....we're smarter than you...it's all for your own good...TRUST ME........

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chuck murray - edgewater, md - Karma: Neutral