City of Kent Plans a Beer Tax

Beer Tax in Kent

In a move that seems unfairly aimed at the college-aged booze hound, officials in Kent, Ohio look to impose a tax on alcohol at the rate of $0.04 per drink. Official are justifying it by pointing out the increased expenses incurred by the municipality by people who are, presumably, consuming alcohol. Councilman John Kuhar explained there has been a "tremendous financial outlays on alcohol-related events, such as house parties that are out of control, littering and Dumpsters and couches set on fire."

Hey, is he talking about all in one night? Cause I think I was at that party.

"Overtime for Columbus safety forces for the Ohio State-Michigan game last year ran to $562,416. Of that, Columbus paid $329,626 for police and fire overtime, which could cover the starting annual salaries of eight Columbus police officers."

While it may have some rational behind the tax, there seems to be something un-American about a tax on beverages. Boston tea anyone?