PIERRE, S.D. (AP) A South Dakota Senate committee has killed a proposed dime-a-drink tax on beer, wine and liquor at the request of the measure's supporters.

The South Dakota County Commissioners Association and other groups have decided they cannot get the Legislature to pass the bill so they have started gathering petitions to place the proposal on the November ballot for a statewide vote.

Supporters say the proposed wholesale tax would collect about $35 million a year by imposing the equivalent of an extra ten-cent tax on a drink or can of beer. They say the money is needed to help cities and counties deal with increasing law enforcement costs that are largely due to alcohol-related crimes.

But lobbyists for the liquor industry say the proposal would unfairly tax people who drink responsibly and would cause many people to drive to other states to buy wine, beer and liquor.

(By AP Writer Chet Brokaw) (Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 01-16-08 0937CST | save this article / add to your favorites list