NH House Rejects Beer Tax Hike

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — The New Hampshire House has voted overwhelmingly against raising the beer tax.

The House voted 308-35 Wednesday to kill a bill that raised the tax a dime to 40 cents per gallon. The 30-cent tax is paid at the wholesale level.

Rep. Charles Weed, a Keene Democrat, argued in vain for the bill that earmarked the projected $4 million in proceeds for alcohol abuse and prevention treatment. A state law currently requires a portion of the profits on liquor sales go toward treatment, but lawmakers have been diverting the money to other state spending for years.

Opponents said raising the tax would hurt small businesses, including small breweries that are growing in the state.

Gov. Maggie Hassan has promised to veto it if it reaches her desk.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.