Higher Cigarette, Alcohol Taxes Proposed

Raleigh, N.C. — Drinkers and smokers would have to pay more for their pasttimes if two bills are approved by the General Assembly.

Senate Bill 1208, sponsored by Sen. Tony Rand, D-Cumberland, calls for raising the tax on each pack of cigarettes by 5 cents. The added revenue would go toward building a new cancer center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Lawmakers raised cigarette taxes from 5 cents to 30 cents a pack two years ago.

Senate Bill 1367, sponsored by Sen. Larry Shaw, D-Cumberland, calls for raising the excise tax on beer, wine and liquor to fund education programs designed to reduce underage drinking.