Polling Shows Support for Alcohol Tax

Aaron Kaufman, a new member of MCDCC and a strong supporter of the alcohol tax increase, passed along the results of a poll conducted by OpinionWorks for Maryland Citizen's Health Initiative.

Overview

Our most recent Maryland statewide voter poll, conducted December 20-28, 2010 among 663 likely voters statewide, has found overwhelming support for an increased tax of 10 cents per alcoholic drink tied to funding health-related priorities. Two-thirds of likely voters support the proposed alcohol tax increase.

If dedicated to deficit reduction, support for the alcohol tax increase remains strong, with a solid majority supporting an alcohol tax increase. At a time of continuing economic stress for average households and little appetite for new taxes, there are strong indications that Maryland voters believe the State’s leaders should make an exception to pass an increased alcohol tax.

Detail

Strong Support for an Alcohol Tax Increase

Two-thirds of the electorate (66%) favor an increased tax of 10 cents per alcoholic drink if the revenue is dedicated to health-related priorities such as alcohol and drug treatment and prevention, health care for the uninsured, training for health care workers, and programs for people with developmental disabilities and mental health needs. A near-majority of 45% of Maryland voters say they “feel that way strongly” about their support. Less than one-third of voters (31%) oppose the alcohol tax increase.

A majority of 55% of Maryland likely voters support an increased alcohol tax tied to deficit reduction, with nearly four voters in ten (39%) saying they feel that way strongly.