Alcopops Classification Hearing Today By Klark Byrd kbyrd@suntelegraph.com SIDNEY - Is it beer? It is a distilled spirit? That’s the decision facing the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission today as it meets in Lincoln to discuss which classification beverages known as “alcopops” belong in, and therefore determine how the drinks should be taxed and where they can be sold. The beverages in question include alcoholic drinks such as Zima, Mike’s Hard Lemonade, Smirnoff Ice, Bacardi Breezers and other flavored malt drinks. Alcoholic drinks such as these are currently classified by state statute as distilled spirits, but are taxed and sold like beer. Local liquor storeowner Diana Nienhuser said raising the tax on the alcopops will lead to a decrease in their sales. “It will probably make a $9 six-pack a $12 six-pack,” Nienhuser said. “I don’t think it will affect the sales of other products, but people won’t buy [alcopops]. Taxes are quite high on spirits.” Tax on liquor in Nebraska is $3.75 a gallon, whereas beer is taxed at 31 cents a gallon. Beer can be sold at more locations than liquor, including gas stations and convenience stores. Currently alcopops are being sold at those locations with beer. A group called Project Extra Mile claims the fruity malt beverages are targeted at teenagers who like the taste of them better than the bitterness of beer. The group says the alcohol industry labels the drinks as “starter beverages.” Nienhuser, who owns Two J’s and Two J’s Too, says the drinks are primarily bought from her stores by women and older people who don’t enjoy the taste of beer. She says the younger people don’t buy them as often as some people think. “The 21- to 25-year-old range are buying spirits or beer, unless they have a lady friend who doesn’t like beer,” Nienhuser said. “Then they might buy the other beverages.” Project Extra Mile also claims that by raising the tax on the alcopop beverages, the state will be doing its part to help eliminate underage drinking. According to the group, treating alcopops “as beer instead of distilled spirits leads to wider availability of products, lower prices and increased advertising - all critical factors in reaching youth who are consuming alcopops at high rates.” The Nebraska Liquor Control Commission and Gov. Dave Heineman are expected to hear concerns over the ruling during the public hearing today in Lincoln before a decision is made.