Rhode Island Mulls Increase in Beer Tax
Doubling taxes isn’t mere change
Credit: Brandon Blinkenberg
State Rep. Edwin Pacheco from the neighboring dimunitive state of Rhode Island has proposed a beer tax increase that would double the tax on beer. The current tax rate is $3 on every 31 gallons of beer. Yikes!
While I commend the fact that the money will ostensibly go towards alcoholism treatment programs (however, when do taxes actually go towards what they say?), higher taxes on beer always stink. Why not raise taxes on, say, Cognac or single malt Scotches instead? I always take issue with raising taxes on something that the masses enjoy.
This reminds me of something that I heard twice yesterday at the BA Extreme Beer Fest—once from some random attendee to whom I spoke and once from one of the brewers on the speaker panel—”Most people can’t afford to drink the best wine, but everyone can afford to drink the best beer.” Take this thinking a step further and you realize that you’re trying to tax the poor and middle class while letting the rich stay rich!
Also, here’s some more information on beer tax rates (as of January 1, 2006).
