If you wonder why advocates from all sectors of the bev/al industry are calling their congressional representatives today to urge passage of the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Relief Act (CMBTRA), here’s the answer, in an interview with Jason Barrett, proprietor of Black Bottom Distillery in Rochester, N.Y.: Ir boils down to jobs. In his own words:
With suppliers facing a 400% tax increase, all sectors are coming together today to urge Congress to pass CMBTRA.
“This year has been incredibly difficult for craft distillers, vintners, brewers, cider makers and mead makers due to COVID-19. These businesses had to make incredibly difficult decisions like closing tasting rooms, stopping production and furloughing staff,” said the CBMTRA Coalition. A drastic tax hike at the stroke of midnight on Dec. 31 will be a devastating start to the new year for these small businesses that are already struggling to keep their doors open.”
Day of Action participants are encouraged to call, tweet and email their members of Congress to pass this bipartisan legislation and can do so in less than five minutes. Click here for additional information.
The CBMTRA coalition is a group of beverage alcohol trade associations including the Beer Institute, Brewers Association, Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, American Craft Spirits Association, American Distilled Spirits Alliance, Wine Institute, WineAmerica, the United States Association of Cider Makers and American Mead Makers Association, is sponsoring the daylong campaign.
“Whether you are one of the millions of professionals in the beverage alcohol industry, a supply chain partner or a loyal consumer, we need your help to ensure Congress understands the critical nature of passing this legislation by the end of the year,” said the CBMTRA coalition. “Please join us on the CBMTRA Day of Action on December 1 by calling on your representatives to act now.”
Introduced by Sens. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) and by Reps. Ron Kind (D-Wis.) and Mike Kelly (R-Pa.), the legislation will make permanent reforms enacted in 2017 that create a fair and equitable tax structure for brewers, winemakers, distillers and importers of all beverage alcohol. The bill has 351 sponsors in the House and 77 in the Senate.