Alcohol tax repeal campaign clears first hurdle

According to news reports, the Massachusetts Package Store Association has collected enough signatures to place a question on the ballot in 2010 that would ask voters to repeal the sales tax on alcohol sold in retail stores. The association relied on volunteers and paid help to gather 115,000 signatures – more than enough to make the ballot. After the signatures are certified by city and town clerks, they must be delivered to the Secretary of State by December 2.

The 6.25 percent tax on alcohol was passed this summer a statewide advocacy effort by the Campaign for Addiction Prevention, Treatment and Recovery, which consists of over 70 organizations across the state. This year, in the midst of unprecedented state budget pressures, the proceeds from this revenue stream helped preserve critical services for individuals struggling with substance use disorders. Rolling back the alcohol tax would be irresponsible fiscally, and harmful to the cause of substance abuse prevention and treatment. We will follow this effort to undo a successful public health initiative very closely in the coming weeks.