The price of liquor is going up across the state of Alabama soon.
Earlier this week, the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board voted to raise the state’s markup on liquor from 30 to 35 percent. That amounts to about a $1 increase on a bottle that now costs $30. The goal is to raise about $8.2 million for the state’s courts and prosecutors.
The price increase will take effect November 1. State lawmakers have already approved language in the upcoming budget to direct $6 million of the expected additional income to district attorneys. Another $2.2 million will be directed to the state court system.
The executive director of the Alabama District Attorneys Association, Barry Matson, says many district attorneys and court offices in the state are struggling due to past budget cuts.
A group representing bars and restaurants opposed the increase, saying the state already charges high markups on liquor. Businesses near state lines say they struggle to compete with lower prices in neighboring states.