Indiana Lawmakers Propose Doubling Alcohol Tax

A measure intended to aid Indiana cities and help Indianapolis fund its sports facilities calls for doubling the state’s tax on alcohol, the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette reported April 2.

The measure, sponsored by Rep. Randy Borror, a Fort Wayne Republican, was attached to a House appropriations bill. In addition to helping the state’s largest city pay for facilities for the Colts and Pacers, the measure would deliver millions in economic-development aid to other Indiana cities, including $2.6 million to Fort Wayne.

The plan calls for adding 26 cents per case of beer in taxes, 9 cents per bottle of wine, and 53 cents per fifth of liquor. Backers say the tax increase would raise $42 million annually. Alcohol taxes in Indiana haven’t been raised since 1981.