Lawmakers rally around 10-cent alcohol tax

Maryland lawmakers announcedplans for a 10-cent cocktail tax Tuesday — equal to about $2.40 on a case of beer — one day before the legislative session begins in Annapolis.

The dime-a-drink tax is expected to raise more than $200 million for the cash-strapped state of Maryland, which is now facing a $2 billion shortfall, said Del. Bill Bronrott, D-Bethesda, who is sponsoring the bill with state Sens. Verna Jones, D-Baltimore City, and Richard Madaleno, D-Wheaton.