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California State Board of Equalization Makes Historic Decision; Alcopops to Be Taxed as Distilled Spirits |
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From Marin Institute: The California State Board of Equalization (BOE), under the strong leadership of State Controller John Chiang, made history today when they set in motion a rulemaking procedure to tax alcopops as distilled spirits, instead of the current "beer" classification. The decision was immediately applauded by alcohol activists and youth from the California Youth and Alcopops Coalition, the group that initiated the drive with a petition to the BOE last fall. "Flavored Malt beverages should be taxes as distilled spirits because they fall under the category of distilled spirits, as written in California law," stated Chiang. "This is an enlightened step forward in controlling underage consumption of alcohol," said Bruce Lee Livingston, MPP, Executive Director of Marin Institute. "For generations, Big Alcohol has evaded proper taxation on these products. A recent Marin Institute report detailed the true costs of the consumption of alcopops by underage youth in California. With the new tax in place, the lives of 21 youth will be saved, as well as $437 million in societal costs.
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