What's the point of buying booze abroad with declarations?

[EntropyGuardian]

The first and last time I bought booze in the Caribbean it was 5 smallish bottles of rum that cost me $20. Great! (I thought).

 

I get off the boat in Galveston and and am asked if I have any booze. I say yes (stupidly, in hindsight). I end up having to pay $4 a bottle in tariff fees or taxes or something to Uncle Sam before I exit the terminal.

 

Instantly doubled how much I paid for booze.

 

Is there any point in bringing booze into Texas? Do people just not declare it? Buy only gallon drums?

[Human Speedbump]

Honestly.... I just don't declare it. I pay too much taxes already, I'm not volunteering to pay more.

[1025cruise]

The US allows a certain amount of alcohol to be brought in duty free. The state of Texas, does not.

In my opinion, I've not seen enough of a bargain on alcohol to make lugging it home worth the effort.

[thinfool]

Pretty sure it wasn't Uncle Sam....it was the State of Texas.

 

Sail from a non-Texas port and avoid the problem. :)