Alcohol Taxes To Rise After Rate Hike Receives Final Passage

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Louisiana's drinkers will soon be paying more for their wine and beer.

A bill to boost the tax rates charged on alcohol won final passage Wednesday with a 71-23 House vote. The measure heads to Gov. John Bel Edwards, who supports the tax hike to help balance Louisiana's budget.

The increase kicks in April 1.

Rep. Kenny Cox, the Natchitoches Democrat who sponsored the bill, says the tax hike will raise the cost of a case of beer by 18 cents — or about three-quarters of a penny per can.

The cost of a glass of wine or liquor also will grow by a few pennies.

The alcohol tax hike is estimated to bring in $4.6 million for this year's budget and $19 million annually.

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House Bill 27: www.legis.la.gov