ENYE joins Illinois liquor retailers in opposing increase in state liquor taxes

The ENYE Group wishes to join its major retail partners in opposing the proposed increase in the Illinois Liquor Tax (House Bill 255) which is currently awaiting signature by Governor Pat Quinn (D). The proposed increase would raise the current tax on wine 90% from $0.73 a gallon to $1.39 a gallon.

According to the group Americans for Tax Reform, "These tax hikes will almost certainly result in lower tax revenue for the state as consumption naturally declines. Just this week, Kentucky announced that after applying the state’s 6% sales tax to alcohol beverages earlier this year, total tax revenue dropped by over $1.7 million and was 55% below last year’s revenue at this time. Similarly, tax revenue from wine consumption in Kentucky dropped by more than $75,000. Furthermore, the last time the federal government raised the distilled spirits excise tax, it took 11 years to bring in more revenue."

We believe that the increase will drive consumers across state lines to purchase alcoholic beverages, will hurt small distributors and retailers, and will not produce any significant additional revenue for the state due to lowered consumption. ENYE strongly encourages Governor Quinn to veto HR Bill 255 and just say no to higher liquor taxes in Illinois.