S.F. Alcohol Fee Vetoed, Could Go to Voters

San Franciso Mayor Gavin Newsom vetoed a proposed fee on alcohol distribution, the San Franciso Chronicle reported Sept. 22.

The city’s Board of Supervisors had approved the proposal, but there were not enough votes to overturn the veto.

Under the proposal, the city planned to collect a surcharge on alcohol distribution to pay for services associated with problem drinking, such as ambulance trips, hospital care, prevention programs, and a sobering center. 

Newsom opposed the fee on the grounds that it would stifle jobs, interfere with the state’s authority to regulate alcohol, and cost the city money in lawsuits he said he didn’t think it would win. “You don't help the city's general fund by spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on a lawsuit we're going to lose,” said Newsom.

Supervisor John Avalos, who wrote the legislation, said it might go to the voters next. “There's a lot of people who think this a good idea.”