CONCORD - The House today killed House Bill 168 on a 308-35 vote to increase the beer tax by a dime a gallon.

The bill drew much opposition from retailers, local independent brewers and Gov. Maggie Hassan, who promised to veto the bill if it made its way to her desk.

Supporters say the beer tax has not been increased for 30 years, and the tax would help in a small way to offset the billion dollar hit on the state's economy from the effects of alcohol abuse.

The increase of 10 cents per gallon, from 30 to 40 cents, would be paid at the wholesale level and would be used to fund substance-abuse prevention efforts.