Lawmakers Ponder Champagne Tax

North Dakota wine drinkers pay less tax than those who favor the bubbly, but the difference may end soon. The state House has decided to repeal what Grand Forks Representative Lonny Winrich calls a "tax on bubbles.''

North Dakota taxes champagne and other types of sparkling wine at 26.4 cents per liter. The legislation cuts the tax to the same rate as wine, which is taxed at 13.2 cents per liter.

The difference dates back to the 1930s. The tax change now goes to Governor John Hoeven for his approval. Winrich says it makes no sense any more to have different taxes for wine and champagne.