Photo: Jay Willett/WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — A newly proposed bill would create an optional 2% excise tax on the sale of alcohol in Massachusetts bars, restaurants, and liquor stores. The funds would be used for addiction and recovery programs for participating municipalities.
The bill, sponsored by Newton Sen. Cynthia Creem, would put the money into an account, managed by the city or town, called the 'Municipal Substance Abuse Prevention and Public Health Fund.'
Some Boston residents told WBZ NewsRadio's Chris Fama that they didn't want to pay increased taxes.
"I don't think we need to be taxed more than we already are, seems to always be the answer," one person said.
"We struggle now as it is for everything we have to buy. To add more taxes just doesn't make sense," said another.
One resident said they think it should be up to the individual to choose if they want to pay taxes towards the fund, and residents "shouldn't be forced to donate money."
Other residents said they don't mind an increased tax on alcohol.
"I really don't care about raising taxes on alcohol honestly. I don't think we're over-taxed, we kind of should be taxed for things," one said.
Another said, "I'm okay with that tax."
When asked if they would think twice about buying an alcoholic drink if the taxes were in place, one said, "yes, definitely."
WBZ NewsRadio’s Chris Fama (@CFamaWBZ) reports.