MA Governor Approves Massive Alcohol Tax Increase

Thursday, July 2, 2009


Well, it looks like Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick has signed into law a tax increase on alcohol purchases. Previously exempt from sales tax at the point of purchase, the tax burden on alcohol at the register will now be 6.25%.

So much for Massachusetts being friendly to small businesses. I can hear the automobile engines starting up now for a trip to nearby New Hampshire where there is no tax on wine. The tax goes into effect August 1, 2009 so stock up now. Trying to put a positive spin on it, let's look at it this way: July is tax-free booze month!

Why is it that something sensible like selling wine in grocery stores gets voted down, yet introducing double taxation on wine passes with ease?

I realize that we all have a responsibility as citizens of this commonwealth pay our fair share. But this tax so disproportionately increases the tax rate on alcohol that it seems absurd to me. Why not just increase the excise tax that is already in place on wine? I also realize it is cliche and crumudgeonly to crow on about taxes, so this is the last I'll speak of it.

Underage drinking should never be tolerated, because it could eventually lead to teen alcoholism and a host of other problems.

Further Reading:
Question of the Day: Is this increase substantial enough to make you consider shopping for wine out of state?

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