Attempt to hike tax on drinking in Philly falters

This article was originally published in The Notebook. In August 2020, The Notebook became Chalkbeat Philadelphia.

by Holly Otterbein for NewsWorks

Philadelphia Mayor Nutter’s plan to increase the drink tax is on life support.

City Council President Darrell Clarke said lawmakers would not vote on the proposal Wednesday, signaling that there is not enough support now for it to pass. The plan, which requires state-enabling legislation, would raise the liquor-by-the-drink tax to 15 percent from 10 percent. It would raise $22 million for the struggling School District.

But Clarke said the liquor tax hike is not dead yet. He said Council could consider it if the state passes necessary legislation.

"This whole conversation about what Council’s going to do locally with respect to liquor and tobacco is moot if we don’t get a positive vote in Harrisburg," he said.

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