Delaware ranks 10th on a list of states with the highest per-person beer consumption. The list was released earlier this year by the Beer Institute, an industry association. That adds up to about 34 gallons for each person over 21. Beer consumption is down about a gallon per adult since 2003.
Photo credit: SilkTork / Foter
Click on the link below for the consumption figures:
State Per Capita Consumption 2003 to 2011
The website 24/7 Wall Street, cited the state’s low alcohol excise tax and the lack of a sales tax as one reason for the ranking. The tax differential has widened since New York sharply raised increased alcohol taxes, making a liquor haul more attractive for a resident passing through the state.
In neighboring Maryland, an investigation is under way into alleged smuggling into New York, of liquor from Cecil County, which borders Delaware,
The high tax rate may explain why New York ranks 49th in per person consumption. Neighboring New Jersey is No. 48 Maryland is 47th.
Maryland liquor prices are generally competitive with those in Delaware.
Another factor cited in the story is a high incidence of binge drinking in the state. That is based on Centers for Disease Control figures, 24/7 Wall Street reported.
Higher liquor taxes could prove attractive to legislators in the first state as calls increase in some quarters for a lower gross receipts tax. The tax is essentially a tax on business sales and makes up for the state’s lack of a sales tax.
The smallest businesses in the state are exempt from the tax.
To read the 24/7 Wall Street story pertaining to Delaware, CLICK HERE.
