Here is their statement on HB 1686 from their president, Bryan Kerr:

"Rep. Harold Wright (R)-Weatherford has proposed a bill (HB 1686) which would significantly increase the price of most alcohol sold in Oklahoma. The bill would more than double the excise tax on spirits, from $1.47 per liter to $3.50 per liter.

"This would give Oklahomans an effective tax of $13.24 (up from $5.56) on every gallon of spirits brought into our state, burdening us with one of the highest excise tax rates in the nation. This compares to $2.40 in Texas, $2.50 in Kansas and $2.00 in Missouri.

"The consumer would see an increase of about $2 in excise tax on every fifth and liter of alcohol including many that sell for less than $10, creating a disproportionate burden on our customers who enjoy lower cost brands.

"Additionally, Rep. Wright's bill seeks to more than triple the excise tax on beer to $1.45 per gallon, up from 40 cents per gallon now. This means the consumer would pay at least another $1.10 in excise tax on every 12-pack of beer purchased from any outlet.

"Although Rep. Wright's bill does eliminate sales tax on spirits and beer, the increase in excise tax results in significantly higher prices on the majority of spirits and beer sold in Oklahoma.