Kentucky Distillers: Governor's Alcohol Tax Plan Bad For Our Business, Bad For Our Families

Yahoo News ^ | 2/10/05

[inkling]

I've just recently discovered bourbon following a business trip to Lexington, KY. The ones I've tried are Basil Hayden, Maker's Mark, Jim Beam, Woodfield Reserve and Knob Creek. Since I'm new to this American elixir, what do you gents recommend I try next?

[EagleUSA]

Taxing it is all about the suppression of personal freedom.
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The Tax Code is a weapon. A weapon against personal ownership, against independent wealth and a method of redistribution of wealth. It HAS TO BE WATCHED VERY CLOSELY -- else tyranny can sping from it --- ala our fine liberals that would tax "the ownership society" out of existnece for the SAKE OF POWER AND CONTROL...

[SVTCobra03]

Bookers....the finest bourbon on the planet.

[reagandemo]

You can stop at Woodford Reserve. That's the best in my cabinet.

[RonPaulLives]

LATE BLUEGRASS BUMP

[CourtneyLeigh]

This is something,,, sure why wouldn't the state like to make another 6% in alcohol tax on such a loved product. It will pass, and after a few months, people will give in.

KY loves it's Makers Mark,, and the state knows it, and knows how to clinch some more dollars from it!

Jerks!

[Republican Wildcat]

Some taxes are being raised; others are being lowered.

[Libloather]

Distilled Spirits Council Expresses Concern Over House Alcohol Tax Plan
Fri Feb 18, 3:45 PM ET
To: State Desk

Contact: Lisa Hawkins, 202-682-8840 or Sarah Rosen, 202-682-8857, both of the Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 18 /U.S. Newswire/ -- The Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S. (DISCUS) today commented on the Kentucky House rejection of Governor Ernie Fletcher's six percent sales tax and its proposal to raise the wholesale tax by two percent to a total of 11 percent.

"While we appreciate that the House recognized that an increase of six percent on top of the taxes retailers and wholesalers already pay is fiscally unsound, we will continue to urge the legislature to drop the tax all together," said David Wojnar, vice president of DISCUS. "We are still opposed to any increase in taxation because of the message it sends and the affect it will have on the long-term prospects of Kentucky's signature industry."

Kentucky already imposes a $1.92 per gallon excise tax on spirits, plus a nine percent wholesale tax on each bottle. In addition, Kentucky imposes licensing fees on operators in the state, which adds another $1.00 to the cost of each gallon sold. Governor Fletcher's original proposal would add an extra six percent on top of this burden, thereby making taxes on Kentucky's spirits the highest of any license state in the nation.

Wojnar also pointed out that the Governor's proposal would mean that beverage alcohol was subject to triple taxation. The Governor's six percent would be added on top of the excise tax and the wholesale tax. "There is no other product in Kentucky that is subject to this kind of burdensome, punitive taxation," he said.

[FreedomPoster]

I would suggest you two read some of the history of the Volstead Act, and the ramifications thereof.