ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- Whether or not the booze business is recession-proof is debatable.
Many say recession is a time for a tear in your beer, though there's definitely plenty of restaurateurs, bar owners and liquor store managers in D.C. and elsewhere who would note a decline in business in tough times.
Regardless, those who choose to drown their economies in alcohol in Maryland soon may be helping the state's economy.
State lawmakers are asking for an increase in alcohol taxes. Right now, people purchasing alcohol in Maryland pay about two cents in state taxes per glass of wine or one cent in taxes for a beer. Those taxes haven't been raised in more than 30 years, the Associated Press reported.
The proposed hike would change that to about five cents in taxes per drink.
It could generate $80 million in revenue, legislators said. The extra income would fund services for people with disabilities and addictions.
Who knew drinking could be so helpful...
