l Alcohol taxes and fees can raise millions, and potentially billions, of new revenue for states and the federal government, through which many new jobs can be created – jobs that will promote health and wellbeing for all residents.
l The relatively minor drops in consumption from higher taxes can save government money in costs (such as health care) from the problems caused by alcohol use.
l The Maryland legislature voted to increase the retail sales tax on alcoholic beverages from 6% to 9%, starting in July 2011. Despite claims by the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS), the tax increase did not cause a substantial drop in consumption. The net increase in tax revenue, even with the minor drop in consumption resulting from the tax increase, is estimated at $38 million annually.7, 8