Alcohol laws eased to raise tax money

By Kim Severson

"Drink up, America. The government needs the money."

"With cities across the country facing their fifth straight year of declining revenues and states cutting services and laying off workers, raising money from people who enjoy a cocktail is becoming an increasingly attractive option."

"Since the recession started in earnest in 2008, dozens of states and cities have tinkered with laws that regulate alcohol sales as a way to build up their budgets. ..."

Full text article available at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/29/us/alcohol-laws-eased-to-raise-tax-mon...