The American Beverage Institute, the Washington, D.C.-based lobby group representing on-premise operators and suppliers, took a strong stance against the proposed alcohol tax increase. ABI placed ads in highly visible media with taglines such as “Want to send more tax revenue out of state?” The ads highlighted the fact that North Carolina’s alcohol taxes are currently 30 percent higher than those in neighboring South Carolina, stressing that a tax increase will drive more hospitality business across state lines.
The effort sparked coverage on broadcast media throughout the state, as well as among bloggers and the major print media outlets.
To see the ads, visit www.nodrinktax.com. To learn more about state taxes and communicate with your representatives, visit www.stophospitalitytaxes.com and www.axetaxesnotjobs.com.