Opponents of Drink Tax Release Study on Impact

Some local restaurant and bar owners find a proposed drink tax hard to swallow.

Opponents came out with their own study on the economic impact of the 10 percent tax Allegheny County wants to collect.

The drink tax proposal leaves a bitter taste at the Penn Brewery, where the signs of opposition are everywhere.

There is even a petition customers can sign, arguing against the 10 percent tax on alcohol.

Opponents released a study that predicts severe consequences if the tax is approved.

The research by Consad corporation, forecasts a loss of profits for restaurants between 10 and percent -- a 25 drop in wine and spirit sales -- and a 3 percent drop in beer sales.

County Executive Dan Onorato said many cities have a drink tax including Cleveland, Chicago, Boston and New York.

In Allegheny County, the money would be used to help fund the Port Authority Transit System.

Previous Stories: October 2, 2007: Allegheny County Council Proposes Drink Tax