Opponents: Don't Tax Alcohol in Boston, Wait for Marijuana Legalization

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http://bostinno.streetwise.co/2015/05/27/boston-beer-proposed-tax-on-alcohol-sales-in-city-of-boston/

Opponents: Don't Tax Alcohol in Boston, Wait for Marijuana Legalization
Nick DeLuca - Staff Writer
05/27/15 @3:32pm

The Boston City Council held a public hearing on Wednesday afternoon to discuss the possibility, and feasibility, of implementing a city tax on alcoholic beverage sales from package stores and hospitality establishments to fund substance abuse awareness and prevention programs. There was universal agreement that more such programs are needed not only in Boston but throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, but some feel another tax is not the way to fund them.

In fact, the most vocal opponents to a Boston booze tax suggested waiting for the likely legalization of recreational marijuana to see what kind of tax yields pot sales could have. Marijuana is currently decriminalized in the Bay State up to an ounce in possession and medical marijuana, while legal per a 2012 statewide ballot initiative, has yet to serve the public as the dispensary licensing process continues to vet applicants and inspect premises.

City Council President Bill Linehan and Councilor Frank Banker co-sponsored a home rule petition which would impose a 1 to 2 percent tax on alcohol sales in the city. Linehan contended that such a tax would generate more than $20 million for pathways to recovery while also supporting Mayor Marty Walsh's recently created Office of Recovery.

"Excessive alcohol consumption alone has been estimated to cost $0.75 per drink in Massachusetts," said Linehan. &quot The tax) will save lives, it will save enormous burdens on families and communities, and in the end it will save money."