Bottles of bourbon and wine purchased at state ABC stores may be a little more expensive in the coming weeks.

In what supporters say is a measure to level the playing field with private liquor retailers, the Alabama House of Representatives passed a bill Thursday that would require the state's ABC liquor stores to pay property taxes, a cost that will likely be passed on to alcohol buyers.

The Senate version has already passed the bill by a bipartisan vote of 85 to 8. It now goes to Gov. Kay Ivey for consideration.

Senate Bill 309 was sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Steve Livingston (R-Scottsboro) and introduced in the House by state Rep. Andy Witt (R-Harvest).

“SB 309 is a bill that would bring the sales tax levied on state ABC stores on par with local counties and cities,” Witt said. “It would basically make it equal to the sales tax levied by all other stores. This only affects state stores.”

“This levels the playing field for local, independently owned businesses that have invested in our district.”

In response to questioning from Rep. Tim Wadsworth, who opposes the bill, Whitt said the bill would raise $6.7 million that could be put back into counties and cities and towns.

Wadsworth opposed the measure, saying it would increase taxes by $6.7 million at a time of inflation and rising prices.

“What we're actually doing is raising taxes on people who buy alcohol and asking them to pay an additional $6.7 million,” said Rep. Wadsworth (R-Early).

“Indeed, a recent survey found that ABC Stores have an advantage over independent shops and retailers in our area,” Witt said, “and with hundreds of ABC Stores, this advantage needs to be strengthened.”

Witt said ABC Stores does charge a sales tax, “but it's a 6 percent rate, so the state is losing some of its funding, but so are the counties and cities.”

“It's still a $6.7 million tax increase,” Wadsworth said.

“If you're buying alcohol at ABC Stores,” Witt says.

“I'm not in favor of imposing these additional taxes at a time when inflation is soaring, because I don't think it would benefit the area,” Wadsworth said.

“I tell everybody, this is fundamentally a bill for small businesses,” said Rep. Corey Harbison, R-Cullman. “When you go to the state ABC store, you pay a flat rate right now. The state has exempted in-state stores from these taxes for many years.

“If I'm a sole proprietor and I own a liquor store right next to an ABC store, I have to pay these taxes. They already have the power to sell it cheaper than me, but now they pay less tax. This is good for small businesses.”

“This is not a tax increase. It simply allows ABC Stores to collect taxes that private businesses already collect.”

To contact the author of this story or to comment, email [email protected]