Legislature considers raise in tax on beer

By David Steves

"As it has every session this decade, the Legislature is considering a raise in the excise tax on beer makers and distributors. House Bill 2461, given its first hearing Monday, would raise that tax from $2.60 to $49.61 per 31-gallon barrel..."

"Advocates of the increase argued that lawmakers should look at the tax on a per-beer basis. By that measure, it would increase the tax, per 12-ounce serving, from just under a penny to 15 cents. The money raised, $330 million over a two-year period, would go primarily to drug and alcohol addiction treatment, with the rest going to alcohol and drug use prevention programs and recovery support services..."

"'The evidence is quite solid. Increasing the price of beer reduces youth drinking,' said Anthony Biglan, senior scientist with the Eugene-based Oregon Research Institute. Biglan cited research to back assertions that beyond funneling millions of dollars into treatment and prevention programs, the increased price would deter consumption..."

Full article available at http://www.registerguard.com/csp/cms/sites/web/news/cityregion/8280804-4...