Boston City Councilors Push Alcohol Tax To Battle Addiction Crisis

BOSTON (CBS) -- Two Boston city councilors are pushing a proposed 2 percent tax on all alcohol sold in the city as a way to take on the addiction crisis.

Boston City Council President Bill Linehan and District 3 Councilor Frank Baker will hold a press conference Tuesday afternoon to unveil a "20 Cents Makes Sense" video.

The councilors say the money from the tax "would go directly to prevention, intervention, and recovery services for residents in the City of Boston."

It's been reported that the proposed tax could raise as much as $20 million, but some liquor store owners are worried it could drive away business.

Massachusetts voters repealed the statewide sales tax on alcohol in 2010.

The Massachusetts Restaurant Associated released a statement criticizing the proposal.

"Raising the tax on a glass of wine or a bottle of beer is not going to solve the opiate problem in Boston," the group said.