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States Loosening Alcohol Laws to Raise Revenues
February 24, 2009

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News Summary

States across the U.S. are considering proposals to ease restrictions on alcohol sales in hopes of boosting tax revenues in a challenging fiscal environment, the Associated Press reported Feb. 16.

In Utah, for example, lawmakers are considering ending a 40-year-old law that required consumers to get a license before drinking in a bar. Sunday-sales bans in Georgia, Connecticut, Indiana, Texas, Alabama, and Minnesota could fall. A Nebraska lawmaker has even proposed allowing residents to drink alcohol in state parks in order to increase tourism.

Bills in Alabama and Kansas would allow grocery stores to sell full-strength beer, while a Tennessee measure would let supermarkets sell wine. Alabama legislators are debating a proposal to allow beer with alcohol content of up to 13.9 percent to be sold; current law restricts beer to 6 percent alcohol by volume.

On the other hand, at least 24 states are considering proposals to raise alcohol taxes.

COMMENTS ON THIS ARTICLE:

Posted by Mady Chalk on 25 Feb 09 09:03 AM EST
Loosening the alcohol sales and drinking restrictions flies in the face of what we know about youth drinking behavior and its later effects as youth become adults. This idea is as misguided as it can get. Policy makers promoting drinking in parks? my goodness!

Posted by Jill on 25 Feb 09 10:53 AM EST
This, as well as the article posted related to Alabama increasing the alcohol content in beer, is astounding. What does it say that I cannot enjoy a day at the park with my family unless I can take alcohol along? Young persons and adults don't necessarily drink alcohol because it is taboo or resticted--it causes euphoic feelings that are potentially harmful--this is a very slippery slope and encouraging it to rain is asking for a large increased in alcohol-related problems for our communities.

Posted by Felicitas on 25 Feb 09 11:35 AM EST
This is yet another example of the short sighted "government" problem solving tech techniques. Have these law makers considered the cost of alcohol related problems, driving while intoxicated, medical cost sky rocketing due to alcohol related injuries, emergency room costs increasing due to alcohol overdosing, medical problem, car insurance rates increasing for all due to accident's caused by alcohol, and least of all not to mention the loss of lifes and consequent family issuess as a result of alcohol. This is insanity and counterproductive to raise revenues since it would increase costs in other areas effecting the overall state budget to an extend were actually less revenue is available for the state.

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