William J. Taylor, in a recent Thursday Observer contribution bemoans the fact that alcohol is not taxed. Saying, ``I thought I knew a lot about government and tax laws,'' he advocates adding the sales tax to the price of alcoholic beverages.
Alcohol and tobacco products are already heavily taxed at both the Federal and State levels. A 750ml bottle of spirits typically carries a $2.25 federal tax and a $1.00 State tax, making up 30-50 percent of the final retail cost.
If a 50 percent tax is not enough, what would be a high enough tax rate to satisfy Mr. Taylor? What other legal products that he doesn't approve of does he want more heavily taxed?
JIM MESTHENE, Waltham
