AUGUSTA, Maine — Some state Democrats are proposing new double-digit taxes on certain alcohol purchases in Maine.
The Taxation Committee held a public hearing on a bill introduced by six Democrats to raise taxes on spirits, malt liquor, fortified wines, and hard cider
The bill, LD 1070 - An Act To Reduce the Number of Domestic Assaults and Suicides By Increasing the Tax on Alcohol, is being called "cleverly titled" by state Republicans.
The bill would raise taxes on:
- Malt Liquor - 43% increase for manufacturing and selling.
- Low-alcohol spirits - 21% increase for manufacturing and selling.
- Hard Cider - 43% increase for manufactured in or imported into the state.
- Wine - 66.6% increase for manufacturing and selling wine in the state.
The bill would also add a 2% increase "on the value of liquor sold in licensed establishments" in Maine.