By Bob Salsberg, Associated Press Writer

Package store owners and liquor distributors are pushing for Question 1 to pass on the Nov. 2 state ballot, repealing the 6.25 percent sales tax on alcohol.

The industry says it’s been losing sales to tax-free New Hampshire since the tax was imposed on liquor in August 2009.

Alcohol was previously exempt from sales tax.

But opponents say alcohol is hardly a necessity and should not be exempt.

They also say repealing the tax would hurt community-based programs that treat substance abuse, since much of the tax’s revenue goes to those services.

Chelmsford liquor store owner John Harrington says his business is down about 8 percent in the last year. And some store owners say they’ve been forced to cut staff.

The industry has raised nearly $2 million to push for Question 1.

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