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It is not NH's fault that other states have taxes so onerous that there is an ROI on driving to NH to purchase. The state could limit the amount someone can purchase, but the lawbreakers would get around that by using multiple people buying at multiple stores.
A few years ago a Democratic party state rep from MA was photographed buying at a state liquor store when he himself had voted to add a sales tax to the alcohol excise tax in MA...
It is not NH's fault that other states have taxes so onerous that there is an ROI on driving to NH to purchase. The state could limit the amount someone can purchase, but the lawbreakers would get around that by using multiple people buying at multiple stores.
The tax in MA is $4.05 per gallon so the tax isn't that onerous. What makes a difference is that in MA, the liquor has to pass through a wholesaler first that raises prices. But with companies like Total Wine moving into the area, the pricing they offer is actually better than the NH stores.
1.75L of Makers Mark:
NH - $46.99 on sale from $53.99
Total Wine - $45.99 everyday
Kappy's - $47.99 everyday.
750mL Hennessey VS
NH - $35.99
Total Wine - $34.99
Kappy's - $34.99.
IMHO, NH has created an appearance of great prices. Great marketing when compared to the small Mom and Pop stores works.
In terms of the money counters, I get a little chuckle out of a state agency turning a blind eye to what they know is going on. It doesn't mean it's wrong.
Spend +$150 and get a $25 gift card. (Limit 10 per person per day)
Quote:
Originally Posted by robr2
The tax in MA is $4.05 per gallon so the tax isn't that onerous. What makes a difference is that in MA, the liquor has to pass through a wholesaler first that raises prices. But with companies like Total Wine moving into the area, the pricing they offer is actually better than the NH stores.
It's difficult to make a blanket statement like this, I find pricing varies from product to product and depending on the promotion offered -- I'll also go to Julio's & Total Wine because they stock wines and sakes not found elsewhere.
Quote:
Originally Posted by robr2
1.75L of Makers Mark:
NH - $46.99 on sale from $53.99
Total Wine - $45.99 everyday
Kappy's - $47.99 everyday.
That's ignoring the other promotions -- current offer is "Purchase $150.00 or more of wine & spirits and receive a NHLWO Promo Card valued at $25.00 to use on your next purchase"
So if you stock up on Makers Mark, buy four bottles:
NH - $162.96 (after gift card promo)
Total Wine - $183.96
Kappy's - $191.96
Similarly, can save +$20 when you mix and match Makers and Hennessy to hit the $150 threshold
NH Liquor Commission is raking in >150 million/year for the state. They stock enormous quantities of Hennessy cognac in the stores bordering MA and VT, for out of state buyers who pull up and purchase large amounts of it, in multiple purchases each just under the $10,000 reporting limit for cash, but totaling up to well over 10K, to then transport illegally back across state lines to sell out of state.
That would be a great story except for the fact that you can buy Hennessy cognac cheaper in MA than you can in NH.
For $150 per vehicle, you can buy the opportunity transport more than 12 bottles of Hennessy in Massachusetts
Quote:
Originally Posted by gf2020
That would be a great story except for the fact that you can buy Hennessy cognac cheaper in MA than you can in NH.
See my reply, directly above yours.
Another reason to shop in NH instead of MA is that nanny states like NY/CT/MA limit how much booze you can transport without shelling out for a permit. The $150 for a Section 22 Transportation Permit doesn't include any sort of safety inspection or anything, it's basically pure profit for the state.
It's difficult to make a blanket statement like this, I find pricing varies from product to product and depending on the promotion offered -- I'll also go to Julio's & Total Wine because they stock wines and sakes not found elsewhere.
That's ignoring the other promotions -- current offer is "Purchase $150.00 or more of wine & spirits and receive a NHLWO Promo Card valued at $25.00 to use on your next purchase"
So if you stock up on Makers Mark, buy four bottles:
NH - $162.96 (after gift card promo)
Total Wine - $183.96
Kappy's - $191.96
Similarly, can save +$20 when you mix and match Makers and Hennessy to hit the $150 threshold
That's great if one is buying in bulk. Unfortunately, it doesn't apply to me as I don't buy in bulk.
I can tell by the pixels and because I'm officially certified in (anti) money-laundering
Quote:
Originally Posted by Groundpounder
How is selling a product for less than a competitor money laundering?
It's not. The allegations are more like old-school bootlegging than any sort of money laundering.
The allegation is that New York restaurant & club owners send employees with wads of cash to NH to load up their vans with Hennessy and smuggle it back to the city. They then sell this tax-evading un-inventoried cognac off-the-books , skim the profits, and repeat the cycle.
It's not. The allegations are more like old-school bootlegging than any sort of money laundering.
The allegation is that New York restaurant & club owners send employees with wads of cash to NH to load up their vans with Hennessy and smuggle it back to the city. They then sell this tax-evading un-inventoried cognac off-the-books , skim the profits, and repeat the cycle.
Fine, but that isn't NH's problem, that is NY's problem.
Mumble, mumble, accessory to a crime, mumble, mumble.
Just sayin'.
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Spend +$150 and get a $25 gift card. (Limit 10 per person per day)
For $150 per vehicle, you can buy the opportunity transport more than 12 bottles of Hennessy in Massachusetts
I can tell by the pixels and because I'm officially certified in (anti) money-laundering
