State Senate approves local liquor tax

The Senate has approved a proposal that would allow all New Mexico counties to tax liquor to finance programs for treating and preventing alcoholism. 

Supporters of the measure said it would be left to counties to decide whether to impose a local liquor excise tax by the equivalent of five cents on a glass of wine, bottle of beer or cocktail. 

The bill passed the Senate on a 27-14 vote Sunday and goes to the House for consideration. 

State law currently allows only McKinley County to levy a local tax on liquor for alcohol programs, and supporters said the county has financed services that have reduced alcohol-related deaths.

 If all counties imposed a liquor tax, it would generate nearly $44 million.

Information from The AP. 

State Senate approves local liquor tax