New Poll: 85% of Californian’s Favor “Nickel a Drink” Tax

A new statewide public opinion poll indicates that the wine industry may be closer than ever to losing the “nickel a drink” battle.

An overwhelming majority of Californians support increased taxes on wine and other alcoholic beverages in order to help balance the state budget according to the 34th annual “Californians and Their Government” poll conducted by the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC).

“NICKEL A DRINK” IS MOST POPULAR MEASURE WITH PUBLIC

According to the PPIC, “By far the most popular idea proposed by the governor in
the current budget plan is an increase in the alcohol excise tax of 5 cents per drink. At least 80 percent of residents (85%), likely voters (86%), Democrats (89%), independents (85%), and Republicans (80%) favor this proposal.”

POLL HAS MARGIN OF ERROR OF 2 TO 3 PERCENT

The PPIC said their “findings are based on a telephone survey of 2,001 California adult residents interviewed from January 13-20, 2009. Interviews were conducted in English or Spanish. The sampling error for the total sample is ± 2%. For the 1,621 registered voters it is ± 2.5% and for the 1,277 likely voters, ± 3%. For more information on methodology, see page 25.”

PPIC HAS BLUE CHIP BOARD, LEADERSHIP COUNCIL

PPIC is a private, nonprofit organization whose board of directors is chaired by  Thomas C. Sutton, the retired Chairman & CEO of Pacific Life Insurance Company. Other board members include:

• Raymond L. Watson, Vice Chairman of the Board Emeritus, The Irvine Company,
• Ruben Barrales President and CEO of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, and
• John E. Bryson retired Chairman and CEO of Edison International.

In addition, the PPIC’s statewide leadership council contains educators, politicians, business executives and others including:

• Crystal Hayling, President and CEO, Blue Shield Foundation,
• Roberta Achtenberg Chair, Board of Trustees, California State University,
• Diane Griffiths, Secretary/Chief of Staff, Board of Regents, University of California, and
• George Kieffer, Partner, Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP.