Maine’s profits from sales of liquor have remained flat, even though sales have been growing 4% to 5% a year. So the Maine Bureau of Alcoholic Beverages and Lottery Operations plans to raise prices of liquor mini-bottles and larger bottles of low-end spirits.
Sazerac Co. calls the move “a $10 million stealth tax increase on Maine consumers” that will drive people to buy alcohol more cheaply in New Hampshire or switch to other brands.
Craig Wolf, president, Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America, says the price changes will cost Maine nearly $23 million in gross sales.