NO ROLL BACK FOR ALCOHOL SALES TAX

In a frustrating move, the House has rejected Republican-led efforts to lift the state’s new sales tax on alcohol sold in stores as well as an amendment to repeal last year’s increase in the sales tax, which raised the rate from 5 percent to 6.25 percent. The proposed tax cuts were introduced during the Massachusetts House’s state budget debate in late April. Although liquor stores rightfully assert that the tax is driving customers to neighboring states, the House voted down both amendments, voting instead to send them to study committees. This, of course, all but guarantees no action will be taken on them this legislative year.