Originally Posted by
skywalkerLAX
Not sure if the alcohol TG serves in the departure area is subject to taxation as it's pretty much distributed inside the duty free area!? But either way, TG is being paid for lounge access by their partners so either the provide a full experience or lower the price per pax. However considering U.S. based lounges have been providing scrap for decades... probably not.
Anything served on the ground is taxed - same reason many airlines serve cheaper champagne as pre-departure drinks than what they serve in the air.