N.D. measure proponent wants tax increase on wine, beer, liquor

Duane Peterson of Gwinner is chairman of an initiated measure that he wants to put on the ballot in November 2010. It would earmark part of a tax increase on alcoholic beverages for a governor's advisory council on alcohol and drugs.

BISMARCK — An advocate of raising North Dakota's taxes on beer, wine and liquor says the move would help pay for education on the dangers of underage drinking.

Duane Peterson of Gwinner is chairman of an initiated measure that he wants to put on the ballot in November 2010. It would earmark part of a tax increase on alcoholic beverages for a governor's advisory council on alcohol and drugs.

Peterson says the council would award grant money for alcohol education and prevention. He says North Dakota needs to devote more money to reducing the state's rates of underage drinking and binge drinking.

He estimates the tax increase would raise $2 million annually for alcohol education.