haps this is good news among Oregon's cocktail nation -- the state's liquor board today rejected a proposed additional 25-cent surcharge on spirits.But the 3-2 decision by the Oregon Liquor Control Commission could deal a minor, but noteworthy, blow to state budget negotiators who were counting on the extra $16 million the fee would raise.
Last week, the OLCC board approved a temporary extension of a 50-cent surcharge that was levied four years ago, but they delayed a vote on the additional 25 cents to allow more time for public comment.
A national industry lobby group criticized the proposal as a "hidden alcohol tax" and accused the state of backroom dealing because the expected additional revenue already was being anticipated in negotiations over the 2013-15 state budget.
But liquor store owners supported the boost in part because state budget writers said they would support an increase of the sales percentage the liquor agents get.
