Let’s Start Our Own Still

Bridgeport has a neighborhood called Whiskey Hill. Why? Prohibition-era residents didn’t like the government intrusion. From AP:

HARTFORD, Conn. — Supermarket chain Big Y is urging Connecticut shoppers in its weekly fliers to visit its Table & Vine specialty liquor and foods store, located just across the border into Massachusetts, attempting to lure them with promises of no additional state sales taxes on spirits, beer and wine.

A day after the Connecticut General Assembly’s Finance Revenue and Bonding Committee approved plans to increase the Constitution State’s alcohol taxes by 20 percent, restaurants and the liquor industry said yesterday they’re worried more of the state’s business will be driven north, or to other nearby, more tax-friendly states.

“You are now higher than all of the surrounding states, especially with Massachusetts,” said Sarah Longwell, managing director of the American Beverage Institute, which represents more than 65 restaurants in Connecticut. “That puts you guys right out in front in terms of taxation.”

The nearly $1.5 billion in tax increases approved Thursday was sent to the Senate for further consideration. The co-chairwomen of the Finance Revenue and Bonding Committee, however, acknowledge some changes still may be made in coming days before a floor vote is held.