Supervisors Seek ‘Tippler’s Tax’ to Help Health System

Los Angeles County supervisors voted Tuesday to seek the authority to levy a county tax on poured alcoholic drinks to help fund the county’s health system.

A “tippler’s tax” would provide a steady source of revenue in a county faced with declining revenue and a growing population of uninsured, and a tax of 5 cents per drink could raise as much as $250 million annually, according to Supervisor Gloria Molina, who sponsored the motion.

“I don’t think people would mind paying an extra nickel for a glass of wine to save the health system,” Molina said.

The proposal is likely to face strong opposition from the alcohol lobby, and Karen Ross, president of the California Assn. of Winegrape Growers, said it was “inappropriate” to earmark certain programs to be funded through a tax on one pro- duct.

“There should be a more broad-based and equitable way to raise money than picking on an industry that already pays its fair share in counties and the state,” Ross said.

The county lacks the authority to levy such a tax, but the supervisors voted 3 to 2 to ask the state Legislature to grant it that authority.

Molina said the dedicated tax is justified because 60% of patients in the county’s 13 trauma centers are treated for alcohol-related injuries and conditions.

“The alcohol lobby is strong, and they’re going to come up with every reason why not [to pass an alcohol tax], but they know that if we put it to the voters, it would pass,” Molina said.