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Distilled Spirits Council blasts Delaware alcohol tax hikes
The Distilled Spirits Council has slammed proposals for an alcohol excise tax increase in the US state of Delaware, projecting that the motion would cost retailers more than US$14 million in lost sales.
The Distilled Spirits Council has shunned an alcohol excise tax increase in Delaware
The Council has joined a coalition of retailers, wholesalers and suppliers to speak out about the proposal, which it says will “hurt responsible consumers”, during testimony before the Delaware House Revenue and Finance Committee.
“Delaware consumers already pay more than their fair share for distilled spirits,” said Distilled Spirits Council vice president, Jay Hibbard. “By dramatically increasing taxation on alcohol, the state of Delaware will endanger hospitality jobs, limit sales and ultimately hurt responsible consumers.”
For spirits bottled at more than 25% abv, the proposed legislation would increase tax from US$3.75 to US$4.50 per gallon, while on spirits bottled at 25% abv or less, tax would rise from US$2.50 to US$3.00 per gallon.
“Responsible consumption of distilled spirits, wine or beer is a socially acceptable part of a normal, healthy, adult lifestyle,” added Hibbard. “Imposing new taxes on responsible consumers who help support hospitality businesses across the state is not good public policy.”