State contemplates fee for alcoholic beverages

April 20, 2009 5:43:26 PM PDT

SAN FRANCISCO --

The California legislature is kicking around the idea of adding a new fee on alcoholic beverages.

The state would add 10 cents for every mixed drink, wine and beer served. If passed, the fee would raise nearly $1.5 billion a year.

Because it would be a fee and not a tax, the money would have to be spent on alcohol related issues and problems.

Those in favor say alcoholic beverages costs the state $38 million a year in hospital, law enforcement and other costs.