Most states have not increased alcohol taxes in decades and there values have dwindled with inflation. Dormant tax rates have also contributed to gradual and substantial declines in the prices of alcoholic beverages.
Increases in the tax on alcohol provide new revenue for the states, deter underage use, reduce traffic-crash fatalities and certain crimes, and decrease alcohol related health problems such as cirrhosis. In some states, the new revenue may be available for public health and safety programs to enforce liquor laws, prevent teen drinking, provide treatment for alcoholism, or support traffic safety.
The Center for Sciencein the Public Interest has developed a range of alcohol tax policy resources for advocates, including: a state alcohol tax calculator, sample state reports, up-to-date information on state and federal policy, and other tools to support increasing alcohol taxes.
http://www.cspinet.org/alcohol/taxes.html