Good point, I agree.Wyovanian wrote: ↑Fri May 12, 2017 4:22 pm Speaking for one particular industry, Wyoming really has nothing to lose by raising alcohol taxes. A modestly aggressive increase would still be lower than surrounding states. The argument against it is that it raises prices on residents. My answer to that is that too many of our residents want to live in a time bubble and pretend that Wyoming's prices for alcoholic beverages should always be ridiculously lower than they are elsewhere.
Simply put, if the state was to force the retailers to raise prices by boosting the wholesale cost, no one could really retaliate by voting with their wallets and going to another bar or liquor store. Retailers, whether liquor store, bar, or restaurant will simply pass the increased cost along to the customer....
Wyoming should have also raised tobacco taxes (that they fanned on), as well as implemented an additional state wide - (separate from the county) tourism tax (on hotel room nights). It would also benefit Wyoming to hike rates on out of state hunting and fishing licenses, as well as out of state camping site use fees.
Bad part is, and you referenced it, the "time bubble" folks (aka good 'ol boys) hear "tax increases" and instantly close their eyes and ears to potential opportunity.