www.alkoholpolitik.ch

Supporters Say It Could Raise Millions For Health Programs
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — A plan to increase the state alcohol tax by 10 cents a drink may be gaining momentum in Annapolis. Maryland has recently increased the gas tax, the tobacco tax and the sales tax, but the tax on alcohol hasn’t been changed in 38 years, thanks mostly to the state’s powerful alcohol lobby.
According to those who support increasing the alcohol tax this year, 10 cents gets more than one would think.
The Maryland Budget and Tax Policy Institute provided a House committee with a new study revealing that in the past three years, the state has cut hundreds of millions of dollars in programs that benefit the developmentally disabled in addiction services, medical assistance and other community health care projects. (Source: Google Alcohol News, 03/03/11) wbaltv.com, 03/03/11 our Online Comment: When a tax rise on alcohol is in discussion we forget always that there is also the possibility of reducing the social costs and alcohol-related harm, depending on the amount of taxation. If the new tax brings a reduction in consumption this not only brings more income for the state but could compensate the additional expenses of moderate consumers. And this is the majority. A new tax should be fixed with an article regarding compensation of inflation.