Governor Andrew Cuomo on Monday rejected proposals by a health panel that would have increased taxes and regulations on alcohol, according to a published report.
The New York State Public Health and Health Planning Council issued the proposal as part of its five-year Prevention Agenda for 2013 through 2017, the New York Post reported. It called for an increase in taxes on alcohol, a reduction in the number of new bars and liquor stores, and require that advertisements do not “glamorize” alcohol abuse, the newspaper reported.
Cuomo rejected the proposal, and state Health Commissioner Dr. Nirav Shah advised that the alcohol regulations be dropped, the newspaper reported.
The state excise tax is now $6.44 per gallon on hard liquor, 36 cents per gallon on wine, and 14 cents per gallon on beer, the Post said.
Cuomo did issue tough new rules late last month to keep drivers with a history of repeated alcohol- or drug-related convictions off the road. Under the rules, the state Department of Motor Vehicles can permanently revoke the licenses of some repeat offenders, and require an interlock system for those who have had their licenses revoked.
