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Bill

GR

Bill

A 3309

Imposes $0.25 surcharge on alcoholic beverages to be dedicated to Alcohol Education, Rehabilitation and Enforcement Fund.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Gabe Rodriguez

New Jersey bill imposes 25-cent tax on alcoholic beverages to fund alcohol education, rehabilitation, and enforcement programs.

Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations Committee
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Bill Summary · A 3309

Legislative bill overview

Bill A 3309 would implement a $0.25 per-unit surcharge on all alcoholic beverages sold in New Jersey, with revenues directed to a newly created Alcohol Education, Rehabilitation and Enforcement Fund. The collected funds would support alcohol-related education programs, rehabilitation services, and enforcement activities targeting alcohol misuse.

Why is this important

Excise taxes on alcohol are a common public health policy tool designed to reduce consumption while generating dedicated revenue for prevention and treatment programs. The surcharge could generate significant annual revenue for alcohol-related interventions, though its actual impact depends on consumption patterns and behavioral responses to the price increase.

Potential points of contention

  • Regressive impact: The surcharge falls uniformly on all consumers regardless of income, meaning lower-income households pay a proportionally larger percentage of their earnings, raising equity concerns
  • Business opposition: Breweries, distilleries, bars, and retailers may argue the surcharge makes their products less competitive and threatens jobs and local economies
  • Effectiveness uncertainty: Whether a $0.25 surcharge meaningfully reduces alcohol consumption or primarily generates revenue without behavioral change remains debated among public health experts
  • Fund governance: No specification provided on how the fund would be administered, allocated among programs, or overseen to ensure accountability

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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