Add It Up: Alcohol sales up when the economy’s down
In trying times, booze is there
Total amount, in percentage, total taxes and other revenues decreased in March 2009 compared to March 2008: 14.5
Amount, in percentage, individual income taxes revenue declined in March 2009 compared to March 2008: 18.8
Amount, in percentage, sales tax revenue declined in March 2009 compared to March 2008: 5.9
Amount, in percentage, gas tax revenue declined in March 2009 compared to March 2008: 28.6
Amount, in percentage, alcoholic beverage tax revenue increased as of March 2009: 8
Estimated amount of money, in sales taxes, Sunday beer and wine sales could generate: $3.3 million
Number of states other than Georgia that ban alcohol sales in stores on Sunday: 2
Number of times in the last three years state lawmakers have tried to pass a bill allowing Sunday Sales: 3
Percentage of Georgians in a 2008 poll who support Sunday Sales: 65
Sources: ajc.com, Georgia Department of Revenue, AJC/Mason Dixon poll