Press Room

Press Releases


Restaurant Trade Association Urges California to Reject Alcohol Tax Hike Disguised as a “Fee”

American Beverage Institute Says Hospitality Industry Already Pays Its Fair Share
January 5, 2010
WASHINGTON – Today the American Beverage Institute (ABI), which represents 740 California restaurants, denounced alcohol tax hike bill AB1019 which is being voted on today at 1:30 in the Assembly Health Committee. This tax is disingenuously being called a “fee” in order to circumvent the backlash that comes with raising taxes.

Restaurant Trade Association Urges New Jersey to Reject Alcohol Tax Hike

American Beverage Institute Says Alcohol Taxes are Regressive and Cost Jobs
June 15, 2009
WASHINGTON – Today the American Beverage Institute (ABI), which represents over 200 New Jersey restaurants, denounced the alcohol tax hike in the state budget which is being heard today in both the Assembly and Senate Budget Committees. Increasing alcohol taxes costs jobs and disproportionally hurts those who are least able to pay them.

Restaurant Trade Association Urges North Carolina to Reject Alcohol Tax Hike

American Beverage Institute Says Alcohol Taxes are Regressive and Cost Jobs
June 9, 2009
WASHINGTON – Today the American Beverage Institute (ABI), which represents over 280 North Carolina restaurants, denounced the alcohol tax hike being considered by the House Finance Committee this morning. Increasing alcohol taxes costs jobs and disproportionally hurts those who are least able to pay them.

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In the News


Ad Warning: Booze Tax May Cost Chicago Olympics

NBC Chicago
May 26, 2009
A beverage trade organization is urging Gov. Pat Quinn to veto an alcohol tax increase currently awaiting his signature, suggesting that the tax hike could jeopardize Chicago's chance of hosting the 2016 Summer Olympics.

Restaurant group decries Ill. liquor tax hike

Chicago Tribune
May 23, 2009
An association representing 300 Illinois restaurants is urging Gov. Pat Quinn to reject a liquor tax increase to pay for statewide construction.

Wisconsin State Journal covers ABI opposition to Beer Tax

Wisconsin State Journal
May 4, 2009
Wisconsin’s beer tax, flat for four decades, would be five times higher under a proposed bill.

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Letters to the Editor & Op-Eds


Alcohol tax hike unfair

Chicago Sun Times
May 27, 2009
The Illinois Legislature would be wrong to raise taxes on alcohol ["More state tax on beer, wine, liquor?" May 16]. Increasing alcohol taxes costs jobs and disproportionally hurts those who are least able to pay them.

Raising alcohol tax simply punishes consumers already hurting

By Sarah Longwell
The Charlotte Observer
April 27, 2009
From Sarah Longwell, managing director of the American Beverage Institute in Washington, D.C., an association representing restaurants including more than 280 in North Carolina.

No to taxes

Miami Herald
April 4, 2009
State legislatures and governors should not turn to alcohol taxes to balance their budgets. Increasing alcohol taxes costs jobs and disproportionally hurts those who are least able to pay.

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