A ballot question to end the sales tax on alcohol would lead to closing homes that help recovering addicts, protesters argued on Thursday.
Supporters poured into Florian Hall in Dorchester for a fundraiser to support voting no on Question 1, a direct referendum that would end the 6.25 percent sales tax on alcohol while maintaining its excise tax. The sales tax on alcohol partially funds rehabilitation programs in Boston.
"A yes vote on Question 1 essentially kills people," said State Representative Martin Walsh (D-Dorchester).
The rally was held by the Committee Against Repeal of the Alcohol Tax and featured performances by Boston comedians Lenny Clarke, Johnny Pizzi, Steve Sweeney and Jimmy Tingle.
Many speakers said the issue was close to their hearts, having experienced the serious negative repercussions of alcohol abuse either first hand or indirectly. Instituted in 2009, the alcohol tax has earned the state an estimated $93 million in its first year.
"The legislature, the House, the Senate, and the governor, we took the alcohol tax money and put it to fully fund the Bureau of Substance Abuse Services," Walsh said.
The Bureau of Substance Abuse Services puts funding into institutions around the greater Boston area such as the Cushing House and South Boston Collaborative Center, Walsh said.
Both institutions aid in the rehabilitation of victims of substance abuse, reintroducing them to society living a life of sobriety.
Those at the event ranged from community leaders to graduates of rehabilitation programs.
"I feel really good about this, the tax is going for a good program," said Zach Dasilva, who had recently finished a rehabilitation program in Boston.
The hall was at maximum capacity for the rally, with support for the campaign still growing, organizers said.
On Nov. 2, Massachusetts residents will be heading to the polls to vote on three proposed laws.
Question 2 would repeal the 40B zoning law, and Question 3 would reduce sales tax to 3 percent.
Voter registration ends on October 13. Registration forms can be found at any election office within Massachusetts, and can also be mailed in or dropped off at the Boston City Hall Election Department.
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