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Cocktail Tax

margaritalacondesa-thumb.jpegA new state law taxing mixed drinks at 8.25 percent will go into effect in 2014. Bummer, yes, but the system right now is actually kind of bizarre. Consumers pay an 8.25 percent tax on beer and wine at establishments that only serve those two beverages but pay zero tax on mixed drinks. The burden falls instead to the restaurants, who pay a rate of 14 percent on mixed alcoholic beverages. The idea is to "make the taxes consistent," though the state acknowledges that there's a danger "consumers may purchase somewhat fewer drinks." [Dallas News]