Alcohol Tax by State

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Introduction

Alcohol tax rates vary significantly from state to state, creating a patchwork of taxation policies across the United States. The range of alcohol tax rates reflects the diversity of state economies, cultural attitudes towards alcohol, and policy priorities.

The variations in tax rates can be attributed to several factors, including differing state budgets, funding requirements for healthcare and education, historical precedents, and political considerations.

State governments often rely on alcohol tax revenue to support public services, including healthcare, addiction treatment programs, and prevention efforts. The variations in alcohol tax rates highlight the complex balancing act between generating revenue, promoting public health, and addressing the social and economic consequences associated with alcohol consumption at the state level.

Tax on Alcohol by State

#StateAlcohol Tax
1Washington$33.22
2Oregon$21.95
3Virginia$19.89
4Alabama$19.11
5Utah$15.92
6North Carolina$14.58
7Kansas$13.03
8Alaska$12.8
9Maryland$11.96
10Michigan$11.95
11Illinois$10.91
12Ohio$9.83
13Montana$9.75
14Minnesota$9.01
15Indiana$8.55
16Arkansas$8.41
17Louisiana$8.33
18Mississippi$8.11
19Vermont$7.68
20West Virginia$7.62
21Pennsylvania$7.21
22Georgia$6.5
23New York$6.44
24District of Columbia$6.2
25Florida$6.2
26New Mexico$6.06
27Idaho$5.98
28Oklahoma$5.56
29New Jersey$5.5
30South Carolina$5.42
31Connecticut$5.4
32Rhode Island$5.4
33North Dakota$5.12
34Massachusetts$5.03
35South Dakota$4.67
36Delaware$4.5
37Tennessee$4.46
38Hawaii$3.79
39Nebraska$3.75
40Nevada$3.6
41California$3.3
42Wisconsin$3.25
43Maine$3.03
44Arizona$3
45Iowa$2.68
46Kentucky$2.5
47Texas$2.4
48Colorado$2.28
49Missouri$2
50New Hampshire$0
51Wyoming$0

Taxes on Alcohol by State

Alabama

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$19.11

Ranked in the US

#4

Alabama ranks fourth in alcohol tax rates, with a tax rate of $19.11 per unit. The state's tax revenue from alcohol is utilized to fund various public services, including healthcare programs, education, and substance abuse prevention initiatives.

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Alaska

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$12.8

Ranked in the US

#8

Alaska secures the eighth spot in the ranking, with an alcohol tax rate of $12.80 per unit. The state's tax revenue from alcohol contributes to funding healthcare services, education programs, and initiatives focused on reducing alcohol-related harm among its residents.

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Arizona

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$3

Ranked in the US

#44

Arizona ranks forty-fourth in alcohol taxation, with a tax rate of $3.00 per unit. The state's alcohol tax revenue supports healthcare services, education programs, and prevention efforts aimed at curbing alcohol abuse and promoting responsible drinking.

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Arkansas

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$8.41

Ranked in the US

#16

Arkansas ranks sixteenth in alcohol tax rates, with a tax rate of $8.41 per unit. The state's tax revenue supports public health initiatives, education programs, and enforcement efforts aimed at reducing alcohol-related harm.

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California

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$3.3

Ranked in the US

#41

California ranks forty-first in alcohol tax rates, with a tax rate of $3.30 per unit. The state's tax revenue from alcohol helps fund various public services, including healthcare programs, education initiatives, and enforcement efforts to address alcohol-related issues.

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Colorado

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$2.28

Ranked in the US

#48

Colorado ranks forty-eighth in alcohol taxation, with a tax rate of $2.28 per unit. The state utilizes this revenue to support healthcare services, education programs, and substance abuse prevention efforts aimed at reducing alcohol-related harm.

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Connecticut

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$5.4

Ranked in the US

#31

Connecticut ranks thirty-first in alcohol tax rates, with a tax rate of $5.40 per unit. The state utilizes this revenue to fund healthcare services, addiction treatment centers, and public awareness campaigns promoting responsible alcohol consumption.

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Delaware

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$4.5

Ranked in the US

#36

Delaware imposes an alcohol tax rate of $4.50 per unit, securing the thirty-sixth spot. The state's tax revenue contributes to funding healthcare services, education programs, and initiatives aimed at reducing alcohol-related harm.

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District of Columbia

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$6.2

Ranked in the US

#24

The District of Columbia, with an alcohol tax rate of $6.20 per unit, secures the twenty-fourth position. The tax revenue collected contributes to funding healthcare services, addiction treatment programs, and public safety measures within the district.

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Florida

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$6.2

Ranked in the US

#25

Florida also boasts an alcohol tax rate of $6.20 per unit, placing it in the twenty-fifth spot. The state utilizes this revenue to support healthcare services, education programs, and campaigns focused on responsible drinking and alcohol abuse prevention.

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Georgia

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$6.5

Ranked in the US

#22

With an alcohol tax rate of $6.50 per unit, Georgia ranks twenty-second in the nation. The state utilizes this revenue to support healthcare services, education programs, and prevention efforts focused on reducing alcohol abuse and promoting public safety.

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Hawaii

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$3.79

Ranked in the US

#38

Hawaii holds the thirty-eighth position in alcohol taxation, with a tax rate of $3.79 per unit. The state's alcohol tax revenue contributes to funding healthcare programs, addiction treatment centers, and public awareness campaigns promoting responsible alcohol use.

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Idaho

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$5.98

Ranked in the US

#27

With a tax rate of $5.98 per unit, Idaho occupies the twenty-seventh position in alcohol tax rates. The revenue generated from alcohol taxes supports various state programs, including healthcare services, addiction treatment centers, and public safety efforts.

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Illinois

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$10.91

Ranked in the US

#11

Illinois occupies the eleventh position in alcohol tax rates, with a tax rate of $10.91 per unit. The state's alcohol tax revenue contributes to funding public health initiatives, addiction treatment programs, and education campaigns promoting responsible drinking.

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Indiana

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$8.55

Ranked in the US

#15

Indiana secures the fifteenth spot, with an alcohol tax rate of $8.55 per unit. The tax revenue collected contributes to funding education initiatives, healthcare services, and substance abuse prevention programs across the state.

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Iowa

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$2.68

Ranked in the US

#45

Iowa imposes an alcohol tax rate of $2.68 per unit, securing the forty-fifth position. The tax revenue collected contributes to funding healthcare services, addiction treatment centers, and public awareness campaigns focused on reducing alcohol-related harm.

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Kansas

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$13.03

Ranked in the US

#7

In the seventh position, Kansas imposes an alcohol tax rate of $13.03 per unit. The state utilizes this revenue to support various public services, including addiction treatment programs, substance abuse prevention campaigns, and infrastructure development.

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Kentucky

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$2.5

Ranked in the US

#46

With a tax rate of $2.50 per unit, Kentucky ranks forty-sixth in alcohol tax rates. The state utilizes this revenue to support healthcare services, education programs, and initiatives aimed at preventing alcohol abuse and providing addiction treatment resources.

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Louisiana

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$8.33

Ranked in the US

#17

With an alcohol tax rate of $8.33 per unit, Louisiana holds the seventeenth position. The state utilizes this revenue to fund healthcare services, education programs, and initiatives focused on promoting responsible drinking and curbing alcohol abuse.

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Maine

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$3.03

Ranked in the US

#43

With an alcohol tax rate of $3.03 per unit, Maine holds the forty-third spot. The state's tax revenue from alcohol contributes to funding healthcare initiatives, addiction treatment programs, and public safety measures aimed at reducing alcohol-related harm.

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Maryland

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$11.96

Ranked in the US

#9

With a tax rate of $11.96 per unit, Maryland ranks ninth in alcohol taxation. The state's alcohol tax revenue helps fund public health initiatives, including addiction treatment centers, research programs, and awareness campaigns aimed at reducing alcohol abuse.

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Massachusetts

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$5.03

Ranked in the US

#34

Massachusetts ranks thirty-fourth in alcohol tax rates, with a tax rate of $5.03 per unit. The state's alcohol tax revenue contributes to funding healthcare programs, education initiatives, and substance abuse prevention efforts.

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Michigan

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$11.95

Ranked in the US

#10

Michigan rounds out the top ten states with an alcohol tax rate of $11.95 per unit. The state utilizes this revenue to support healthcare services, law enforcement efforts, and programs aimed at preventing underage drinking and alcohol-related accidents.

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Minnesota

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$9.01

Ranked in the US

#14

With an alcohol tax rate of $9.01 per unit, Minnesota holds the fourteenth position in the ranking. The state's tax revenue from alcohol plays a significant role in supporting healthcare services, addiction recovery programs, and public safety measures.

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Mississippi

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$8.11

Ranked in the US

#18

Mississippi ranks eighteenth in alcohol taxation, with a tax rate of $8.11 per unit. The state's tax revenue contributes to funding addiction treatment centers, public safety initiatives, and campaigns aimed at preventing underage drinking.

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Missouri

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$2

Ranked in the US

#49

In the forty-ninth position, Missouri imposes an alcohol tax rate of $2.00 per unit. The state's tax revenue contributes to funding healthcare initiatives, addiction treatment centers, and education campaigns focused on responsible alcohol consumption.

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Montana

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$9.75

Ranked in the US

#13

Montana ranks thirteenth in alcohol tax rates, with a tax rate of $9.75 per unit. The state utilizes this revenue to fund addiction treatment centers, law enforcement activities, and initiatives focused on reducing alcohol-related crimes and accidents.

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Nebraska

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$3.75

Ranked in the US

#39

With an alcohol tax rate of $3.75 per unit, Nebraska ranks thirty-ninth. The state utilizes this revenue to support healthcare services, education programs, and initiatives aimed at reducing alcohol-related harm.

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Nevada

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$3.6

Ranked in the US

#40

Nevada secures the fortieth spot with an alcohol tax rate of $3.60 per unit. The state's tax revenue supports healthcare initiatives, addiction treatment programs, and public safety measures aimed at addressing alcohol-related issues within the state.

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New Hampshire

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$0

Ranked in the US

#50

New Hampshire holds the fiftieth spot with no alcohol tax imposed. The absence of alcohol taxation in the state has implications for affordability and market competitiveness, potentially attracting consumers from neighboring states.

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New Jersey

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$5.5

Ranked in the US

#29

In the twenty-ninth spot, New Jersey imposes an alcohol tax rate of $5.50 per unit. The state's alcohol tax revenue contributes to funding healthcare services, addiction treatment programs, and public health campaigns aimed at reducing alcohol-related harm.

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New Mexico

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$6.06

Ranked in the US

#26

Ranking twenty-sixth, New Mexico imposes an alcohol tax rate of $6.06 per unit. The state's alcohol tax revenue plays a crucial role in funding healthcare initiatives, substance abuse treatment centers, and education programs promoting responsible alcohol consumption.

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New York

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$6.44

Ranked in the US

#23

New York holds the twenty-third spot in alcohol taxation, with a tax rate of $6.44 per unit. The state's tax revenue from alcohol helps fund various public services, including healthcare programs, substance abuse treatment centers, and educational initiatives.

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North Carolina

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$14.58

Ranked in the US

#6

North Carolina ranks sixth in alcohol tax rates, with a tax rate of $14.58 per unit. The state's alcohol tax revenue contributes to funding healthcare initiatives, education programs, and public safety efforts. These funds play a vital role in addressing the social and economic consequences associated with alcohol consumption.

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North Dakota

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$5.12

Ranked in the US

#33

North Dakota occupies the thirty-third position in alcohol taxation, with a tax rate of $5.12 per unit. The state's tax revenue supports healthcare services, addiction treatment centers, and public safety measures aimed at reducing alcohol abuse.

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Ohio

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$9.83

Ranked in the US

#12

In the twelfth spot, Ohio imposes an alcohol tax rate of $9.83 per unit. The tax revenue collected supports various state programs, including healthcare services, substance abuse prevention efforts, and community development projects.

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Oklahoma

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$5.56

Ranked in the US

#28

Oklahoma ranks twenty-eighth in alcohol taxation, with a tax rate of $5.56 per unit. The state utilizes this revenue to fund healthcare services, education programs, and substance abuse prevention initiatives.

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Oregon

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$21.95

Ranked in the US

#2

Following closely behind Washington is Oregon, with a tax rate of $21.95 per unit. Oregon's alcohol tax revenue contributes to funding state programs, healthcare services, and prevention initiatives aimed at reducing alcohol-related harm.

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Pennsylvania

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$7.21

Ranked in the US

#21

Pennsylvania takes the twenty-first position in alcohol tax rates, with a tax rate of $7.21 per unit. The state's alcohol tax revenue contributes to funding healthcare programs, addiction treatment centers, and initiatives aimed at reducing alcohol-related harm in communities.

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Rhode Island

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$5.4

Ranked in the US

#32

With an alcohol tax rate of $5.40 per unit, Rhode Island secures the thirty-second spot. The state's tax revenue contributes to funding healthcare programs, education initiatives, and prevention efforts aimed at addressing alcohol-related issues.

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South Carolina

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$5.42

Ranked in the US

#30

South Carolina holds the thirtieth position with an alcohol tax rate of $5.42 per unit. The state's tax revenue supports healthcare initiatives, education programs, and law enforcement efforts related to alcohol abuse prevention.

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South Dakota

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$4.67

Ranked in the US

#35

With an alcohol tax rate of $4.67 per unit, South Dakota holds the thirty-fifth position. The state utilizes this revenue to support healthcare services, addiction treatment programs, and public safety measures related to alcohol consumption.

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Tennessee

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$4.46

Ranked in the US

#37

Ranking thirty-seventh, Tennessee imposes an alcohol tax rate of $4.46 per unit. The state utilizes this revenue to fund healthcare services, addiction treatment centers, and education campaigns focused on responsible alcohol consumption.

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Texas

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$2.4

Ranked in the US

#47

Texas holds the forty-seventh spot, with an alcohol tax rate of $2.40 per unit. The state's tax revenue from alcohol contributes to funding healthcare programs, addiction treatment centers, and public safety measures related to alcohol consumption.

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Utah

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$15.92

Ranked in the US

#5

Utah, known for its unique alcohol regulations, holds the fifth position in the ranking, with a tax rate of $15.92 per unit. The state's relatively high alcohol tax rate is part of its control measures aimed at promoting responsible drinking and reducing alcohol abuse.

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Vermont

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$7.68

Ranked in the US

#19

Vermont occupies the nineteenth spot, with an alcohol tax rate of $7.68 per unit. The state's alcohol tax revenue supports healthcare services, education programs, and efforts aimed at reducing alcohol-related accidents and substance abuse.

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Virginia

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$19.89

Ranked in the US

#3

Virginia takes the third spot in the ranking, with an alcohol tax rate of $19.89 per unit. The state's alcohol tax revenue plays a significant role in generating funds for education, healthcare, and law enforcement efforts. The revenue generated from alcohol taxes helps address the social and economic costs associated with alcohol consumption.

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Washington

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$33.22

Ranked in the US

#1

At the top of the list, Washington boasts the highest alcohol tax rate in the country, with a tax rate of $33.22 per unit. The state's substantial tax revenue from alcohol helps fund various public services and initiatives. However, critics argue that such high taxes may lead to increased cross-border shopping and potential negative effects on local businesses.

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West Virginia

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$7.62

Ranked in the US

#20

West Virginia rounds out the top twenty states with an alcohol tax rate of $7.62 per unit. The state utilizes this revenue to fund public health initiatives, addiction treatment centers, and education campaigns focused on responsible drinking.

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Wisconsin

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$3.25

Ranked in the US

#42

In the forty-second position, Wisconsin imposes an alcohol tax rate of $3.25 per unit. The state utilizes this revenue to support healthcare services, addiction treatment centers, and programs aimed at reducing alcohol abuse and promoting public health.

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Wyoming

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$0

Ranked in the US

#51

Similar to New Hampshire, Wyoming also does not impose an alcohol tax, ranking at the bottom of the list. The absence of alcohol taxation in Wyoming may affect state revenue generation and the allocation of funds for public services and initiatives related to alcohol regulation and harm reduction.

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