As noted in a recent article chronicling states' attempts to increase revenues, "Raising money from people who enjoy a cocktail is becoming an increasingly attractive option."
Advocates who embrace the idea of expanding sales hours and increasing taxes on alcohol sales say that the money is desperately needed in tough times and can be applied to a number of diverse programs and needs. Critics counter that, while raising taxes might be fully acceptable, increasing the availability of alcohol will certainly bring about unwanted results, including increased episodes of drunk driving.
Georgia is a member of a distinct minority of states that bans Sunday alcohol sales. A number of legislators and business owners chafe at that restriction, and Gov. Nathan Deal was able to oversee legislation earlier this year that will now allow local governments to vote on lifting the ban next month.
The restriction has been in place since colonial times. On November 8, scores of Georgia cities and towns hold a referendum on the ban.
Elsewhere, considerable focus has been placed on changing law and/or raising sales taxes on alcohol. Twelve states have recently raised taxes. Maryland, for example, upped its alcohol tax from six percent to nine percent recently, with officials noting that the increase should bring in about $85 million in a single year. The increase enacted in Illinois in 2009 puts about $100 million annually into that state's coffers.
Nationally, about $17 billion is taken in each year from taxes on alcohol.
Related Resource: New York Times, "Alcohol laws eased to raise tax money" Sept. 28, 2011
