Article by Gary Bridgman, White River Now
The tax on alcoholic beverages sold in Batesville for 2021 brought in just under $62,000 for the city coffers, according to figures from the city.
Thirteen businesses are licensed by the state to sell alcoholic beverages in the city of Batesville. However, only 11 businesses were operational and selling alcoholic beverages in 2021, which levies 5% on beer, wine, and liquor.
109 Main was remodeling throughout 2021 and did not sell alcohol while The Duck Blind has been closed for over a year.
In 2017, I wrote a similar story regarding Batesville’s alcohol tax, which was established to benefit the city’s tourism program. In that year, there were 10 businesses licensed to sell alcoholic beverages that were collecting the alcohol tax.
Batesville’s 2017 alcohol tax collections brought in just over $60,000 — very close to the amount collected in 2021.
Here’s a comparison of the two years.
Those who collect alcohol tax don’t just collect on the city level. Establishments that sell beer, wine, and liquor also collect taxes assessed by the State of Arkansas. Arkansas levies a 1% special excise tax on beer, 3% on liquor, and 10% on mixed drinks. The excise tax on wine is collected at the wholesale level, mostly 5 cents per case. The stronger the drink, the more you pay.
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