New alcohol tax increase takes effect Oct. 1.

• Position: General

Gov. Tony Knowles recently signed into law a measure increasing Alaska's alcohol tax to about 10 cents per drink and Knowles noted it will raise funds to combat the costs of alcohol abuse in Alaska.

H.B. 225 is the first increase in alcohol tax in Alaska since 1983 and officials estimate it will raise $20 million annually.

"This reasonable, responsible and realistic increase in Alaska's alcohol tax is long overdue," Knowles said. "It is time Alaskans stepped up the fight against alcohol abuse. It is time to ask consumers to help contribute more of the share of the costs...