New Law Gives Tax Credits to Local Craft Brewers

Joseph Byrne Saturday, July 21, 2012

Local craft brewers on Long Island and in the state of New York have been working on reinstating the tax break which was put in place to protect the local brewers.

In the latter part of April, a state excise tax of 14 cents was levied against the in-state brewers who produce less than 200,000 barrels per year. The law was struck down by the New York Court of Appeals agreed that the tax break was unfair to the brewers outside of the state. The case brought forward from a Massachusetts based brewer, Shelton Bros., caused such local brewers as Blue Point Brewing Company to face possible new costs in excess of $250,000.

The new law was signed into law when Governor Andrew Cuomo traveled to Utica. The signing was ceremonious because of Utica being the home of one of the 12 craft brewers, Saranac.

Levying taxes onto the craft brewers meant a large potential cost which would have possibly prevented the brewers from being able to stay in business. Jobs created by these breweries are especially important to the local economy. The tourism industry could also have taken a hit if the law would not have been signed. The jobs of more than 3,000 people will be assured because of the new law.

Local beer lovers and restaurants alike salute the lawmakers in Albany for passing the bill through the Senate with a fair amount of speed. Many have remarked at how important it was because of the success of the brewers even while other businesses have been struggling to stay afloat.

It looks like a beer crisis has been averted in Long Island and the rest of New York. No longer will the brewers have to pay a $150 brand fee, a 14-cent excise tax and the 12-cent excise tax add-on. This will give many brewers exactly what they will need to keep making great beer and to grow.

joeb@longislandyellowpages.com

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