Alabama Legislators vote to raise taxes

Hopefully Auntie Kay-Kay ain’t going to sign this.

The bill essentially argues that by raising taxes on consumers it’s going to help “other businesses compete”. Liquor at ABC stores will still be cheaper. The only reasons people go to non-ABC stores is because of location, convenience and hours (ABC open 10-7, closed on Sunday).

If Alabama was truly about allowing other businesses to compete, they would allow grocery stores to sell liquor like they do in Louisiana and Florida.


LINK

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SB309 makes the additional sales tax rate at alcohol sold at ABC stores equal to the combined county and municipal general sales tax rate where the purchase is made. The additional sales tax rate is currently 2 percent at ABC stores. The bill’s sponsors and backers said the legislation makes it easier for independently owned liquor stores to compete with ABC stores. SB309 passed the Alabama House of Representatives on Thursday by a vote of 85-8 with four abstentions. The passed the Alabama Senate by a vote of 29-1 on April 25.

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Gov. Kay Ivey’s office could not immediately be reached for comment on whether she intends to sign the legislation, which was sent to her desk on Thursday.

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