BISMARCK, N.D. ? In an effort to generate up to $2 million for programs that teach about the dangers of underage and binge drinking to North Dakota residents, an effort is underway to increase the state's taxes on beer, wine and liquor, the Associated Press reports.
North Dakota resident Duane Peterson is making news by leading a grassroots effort to increase taxes on alcohol, earmarking the revenue for alcohol treatment and prevention grants. He claims that the state's legislature has not done enough to curb underage and binge drinking.
"We feel that local coalitions, local organizations, and schools are lacking the funding in order to properly educate the kids," Peterson said. "We feel that this would really help out."
The proposal would increase North Dakota's wholesale tax on a six-pack of beer from 9 to 14 cents. A liter of wine would increase by 2.3 cents, and liters of whiskey, vodka, and other liquors would rise 9 cents.
The proposal would also allocate a portion of alcohol tax revenue to the Governor's Prevention Advisory Council on Drugs and Alcohol. However, the North Dakota Hospitality Association (NDHA) responded to the proposal by noting that the alcoholic beverage industry already finances education programs within the states that caution children about underage drinking.
"There are programs going on to educate kids, and we're supportive of that," said NDHA director Rudie Martinson. "The idea of a new tax to do that ... I just don't think it's a good idea."
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, North Dakota has one of the nation's highest percentages of underage and binge drinking.
Secretary of State Al Jaeger must review the proposed ballot measure prior to Christmas. If it is then approved for circulation, proponents have one year to gather the 12,844 petition signatures from North Dakota voters to place it on the ballot for a statewide vote.
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