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Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Controversial 'alcopops' measure to become law



Bill allows fruit-flavored alcoholic drinks to be taxed at lower rate
Despite intense pressure from public health advocates and parents, Gov. Martin O'Malley announced Wednesday his support for a bill that ensures that popular flavored malt beverages would continue to be widely distributed and subject to a lower tax rate than other alcoholic drinks.

O'Malley said he would allow the bill to become law without his signature but signaled that he would pursue legislation to change the way "alcopops" are regulated during next year's General Assembly session. The Democratic governor had pulled back from signing the bill during a formal ceremony last month, but last night he announced that he would not veto the bill. His last formal bill signing is scheduled for today.
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