Oregon Seeks Comment on 100% Increase in Distilled Spirits Surcharge

How do legislators raise taxes without raising taxes? Have a regulatory body do it.

That's what's going on in Oregon where the Oregon Liquor & Cannabis Commission announced it "will accept written public comment on a possible increase of the current 50-cent surcharge on each bottle of distilled spirits to $ per bottle. The Commissioners will listen to verbal comments on this potential increase at the April 20, 2023 & May 18, 2023 Commission Meeting."  Proceeds will go to the state's general fund.  

And of course, everyone will play the game.  Suppliers and trade associations will submit comments saying the 100% increase is terrible, antialcohol groups will submit comments saying the increase really should be 200%, etc.  

But in the end, the increase will pass, and the surcharge will go up to $1 a bottle – a 100% increase.  But politicos will be able to proclaim they did not vote to increase taxes.