Could Boston Get a Liquor Tax?

A public hearing is scheduled for Wednesday on the proposal from City Council President Bill Linehan and Councilor Frank Baker

Liquor store owners in Boston aren't exactly toasting a proposal to put a 2 percent tax on alcohol sales in the city.

A public hearing is scheduled for Wednesday on the proposal from City Council President Bill Linehan and Councilor Frank Baker. The councilors say the tax would raise about $20 million to use for substance abuse and prevention programs.

Smitty Patel of North Station Liquors tells the Boston Herald the tax - if approved by the council and state Legislature- could drive away customers and hurt business "big time."

Leonard Rothenberg, who operates Federal Wine & Spirits on State Street, predicts he'll lose one-third of his business to liquor stores outside the city.

Linehan says he'll share data at the hearing on addiction rates and the rising costs of treatment.

Copyright The Associated Press
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