Proposed tax on liquor voted down

SALT LAKE CITY — A Cache County legislator’s attempt to raise the cost of beer and alcohol in an effort to address the social impact of drinking has died in committee.

Members of the House Revenue and Taxation committee voted down HB 136 on Friday morning, after arguing the question of whether raising the tax on alcohol, actually curbs adult binge drinking and underage drinking.

Rep. Jack Draxler, R-North Logan, had proposed raising the markup on liquor and wine sold at state liquor stores from 86 to 90 percent and imposing a 4.56 percent hike on beer.