Erie County Legislator Joe Lorigo introduced a resolution in opposition to proposed state increase on alcohol taxes. The proposed legislation would amend the tax law to double taxes on certain alcoholic beverages in order to fund addiction prevention and recovery programs.  The resolution passed the Legislature at the last session with unanimous support

Under the proposal, the tax increase for beer would increase from 14 cents per gallon to 28 cents per gallon, the tax increase for wine would rise from 30 cents per gallon to 60 cents per gallon, and the increase for liquors containing no more than 24% of alcohol by volume would rise from 77 cents per liter to $1.40 per liter.

Legislator Lorigo said, “This proposal would be a burden on the residents and businesses of New York State who are already faced with high taxes. Many bars, distilleries, breweries, and restaurants in our region help promote the local economy. New York State needs to start offering relief to those that drive our economy instead of continuing to make it more difficult for them to thrive.”

Legislator Rath said, “As our resolution points out, many drinking establishments already pay a quarterly tax to the federal government of about $2.70 per proof a gallon and $1.70 to New York State per wine liter. Asking them to double the amount they pay in taxes is unfair and unnecessary. “

Legislator Dixon said, “While I am always in support of enhanced treatment measures to combat alcohol abuse, I’m not so sure taking more money from businesses and taxpayers is the answer. Many bars, distilleries, and restaurants would be forced to pay more, and likely have to pass those costs to the consumer out of necessity. It’s a lose-lose.

Legislator Mills said, “New York residents have some of the highest taxes in the country. Now is not the time to keep adding costs to hard-working businesses and taxpayers who keep our economy going.”

A copy of the resolution can be found here.