Statewide Poll Shows Consistent Support by Voters

Jefferson City, MO - Two out of three (66%) Missouri voters support an increase in Missouri's alcohol excise taxes, according to a recent survey commissioned by Missouri's Alcohol Impact Coalition. This support is consistent across party lines, gender lines, and even among those who would pay the most. The Coalition, which consists of health, community, social service and public safety agencies and organizations committed to reducing alcohol related problems, announced the results of the poll today at the Missouri State Capitol.

Missouri voters were asked about current alcohol excise taxes and whether they support increasing such taxes for the purposes of preventing underage drinking, supporting law enforcement efforts to keep roads and highways safer and expanding the availability of alcohol treatment and recovery opportunities statewide. Sixty-six percent (66%) of those voters stated that they support an increase in the state alcohol excise tax rates on beer, wine and spirits. The support jumps to seventy-three percent (73%) when voters are informed of purposes for which the surcharge could be used.

When asked if Missouri's current excise tax rates are too great a burden, 81% responded "no". They are currently among the lowest in the nation. "The results of this poll show what the coalition already knew," stated Dan Duncan, Community Outreach Director of the National Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse and a Coalition founder. "The people of Missouri don't see excise charges as taxes. They understand that Missouri suffers from too many alcohol related problems such as drunk driving deaths, underage drinking issues and too few resources for treatment and recovery."

"Missourians don't regard alcohol taxes the same way they regard other taxes such as sales, income and property," said Gerrit DenHartog, speaking on behalf of ACT Missouri, another member of the Coalition. "They understand that the impact of intoxicating beverages affects all of us and presents a drain on public resources necessary to address the problems caused by alcohol misuse, abuse and addiction."

"The poll shows that the more informed people are about this issue, the stronger the support becomes," said Michael Boland, Chairman of MADD Missouri. "In fact, even those who would be most directly affected by this increase understand the need to address alcohol related problems. More than half of those surveyed who drink frequently support an increase in alcohol excise taxes."

"It is a shame that our legislative leaders have failed to act on this proposal," stated DenHartog. "Especially at a time when budgets for essential services are being slashed. Whose interests are served when alcohol excise taxes are so low that they are almost invisible? When the current excise tax on beer is about a half-penny per 12-ounces, one-and-a-half pennies on a glass of wine, and less than two pennies on a mixed drink?"

A bill sponsored by Representative Bill Deeken (R-Jefferson City) and Rep. Trent Skaggs (D-Kansas City) proposes to bring the 2-cent per drink increase to a public vote. Unfortunately, House leadership has yet to refer the bill to committee, despite introduction of the bill in early January. "This consistent delay of a public hearing on an issue of such vital importance and overwhelming support of Missouri voters is unconscionable", said Boland. "We are simply asking legislators to do their job."

This unprecedented statewide poll addressing alcohol excise taxes was conducted by Mitchell Research & Communications, Inc., a national public opinion firm, on behalf of Missouri's Alcohol Impact Coalition. The February survey polled 500 registered voters and has a margin of error of +/- 4.5 percentage points.

For more information contact Angela Hirsch (MADD) at 573-636-2460, Alicia Ozenberger (MYAA) at 573-635-6669, or Gerrit DenHartog (ACT MO) at 573-893-5448.