No Drink Tax

The World Health Organization has set its sights on your pint glass. It has decided that alcohol belongs alongside AIDS and influenza as a critical global medical issue, and that combating alcohol abuse requires harsh new restrictions on even the most moderate of drinkers.

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.

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.

According to a survey released last month, recession anxiety has crushed terrorism as America's top panic. Aside from making significant changes in their everyday lives, about half of respondents said that a friend or family member has recently lost his or her job.

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.

The Maryland legislature would be wrong to raise taxes on alcohol. Increasing alcohol taxes costs jobs and disproportionally hurts those who are least able to pay them.

Gov. Jon Corzine is wrong to call for higher taxes on alcohol in his budget. Increasing alcohol taxes costs jobs and disproportionately hurts those who are least able to pay them.

The Oregon Legislature would be wrong to raise taxes on beer.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is wrong to push for higher taxes on alcohol. Increasing alcohol taxes costs jobs and disproportionally hurts those who are least able to pay them.