Perverse incentives created by alcohol taxes

~ Jason Schwartz
Here’s a great example of the perverse incentives created by tax revenue from alcohol sales and a strong lobby that prevents increases in alcohol taxes.

Is this what we want for marijuana?

  • In Georgia, Connecticut, Indiana, Texas, Alabama and Minnesota, lawmakers are considering legislation this year that would end the ban on Sunday liquor sales. All but 15 states sell booze on Sundays.
  • In Nebraska, a state lawmaker has proposed allowing beer to be consumed in state parks as a way to boost tourism.
  • Other states, including Utah, are considering allowing the sale of liquor on Election Day.

In fairness, the article does point out that several states are considering alcohol tax hikes, but the list includes California, which seems to have shot down the idea.

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Published by Jason Schwartz

I have been an addiction professional and social worker since 1994. I started blogging in 2005 as the Clinical Director at Dawn Farm. I currently serve as the Director of Social Work and Spiritual Care for a healthcare system. I've also served as the Director of Behavioral Health at another hospital. I'm also a lecturer at Eastern Michigan University’s School of Social Work. Views expressed here are my own. Keep in mind that the field, the contexts in which the field operates, and my views have changed over time.