Mass. County Raises Alcohol Tax

PAWTUCKET, Mass -- Starting in 2003, convenience stores in Bristol County, Massachusetts will be paying 15 percent more to local lawmakers for the privilege of selling alcoholic beverages.

County officials voted 4 to 1 yesterday to increase all of the alcoholic beverage license fees by 15 percent. The rate hike will affect license holders across the board in all alcoholic beverage categories.

The county's action stems from a recent review of alcoholic beverage license fees throughout Bristol County, according to The Pawtucket Times The increase will also affect bars, liquor stores and restaurants.