Alcohol abuse is a major problem in our society where too often society and innocent victims are left paying the cost for someone's bad decisions.

Eight years ago this past September, my father was killed because of an alcohol abuse related tragedy.

Some guy, while illegally passing a semi, hit my dad head-on.

Prior to the crash, this guy was drinking with a friend who was at that time supposed to have been in court-ordered rehab.

Not only did this crash kill my father, but it also resulted in emotional and financial devastation for my family.

I totally support an alcohol consumption tax. The question has been how to charge bars.

The tax should be assessed when the bars purchase alcohol from their suppliers.

The best way to assess such a tax would be based upon the percentage of alcohol in the substance purchased multiplied by the volume.

This method would address the "ringing up" question.

Once this tax goes into place, it should raise every year to keep up with inflation.

The amount that the Borough decides to impose on the bars should be what is in the best interest of the State College community, and not based on pleasing the bar and restaurant owners.

To go with anything less in order to appease the bar owners would be nothing less than to subsidize the bar industry at the expense of the community and innocent victims.