Press Release:

(Boulder, CO) – Bob Pease, CEO of the Brewers Association—the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent craft brewers—issued the following statement on the introduction of the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act (S. 1562) by Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR):

“Small brewers are economic engines in this country, and the Brewers Association supports legislation that will bolster their ability to produce great beers and create jobs.

“As co-chair of the Senate Bipartisan Small Brewers Caucus, Senator Wyden has been a longtime champion for America’s craft brewers, and we appreciate his strong support. He has been diligently working to reduce federal excise taxes for craft brewers through his co-sponsorship of the Small BREW Act. Now with the introduction of the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act, Senator Wyden has gone even further to ensure growth for small and independent brewers.

“Not only would this legislation recalibrate excise taxes—an issue for which we have long advocated—it would ease a number of burdens for brewers, including simplifying label approvals and repealing unnecessary inventory restrictions. This comprehensive legislation, if enacted, will achieve the job creation and brewing capacity reinvestment goals of the Small BREW Act.

“This legislative introduction is possible due to the efforts of craft brewers in support of the Small BREW Act. Brewers and state guild leaders continue to build relationships with members of Congress who are listening to their needs. With their visits, emails and phone calls, small brewers have moved one step closer to excise tax relief.

“Senator Wyden, along with Senators Cardin (D-MD) and Susan Collins (R-ME), and Representatives Richard Neal (D-MA) and Erik Paulsen (R-MN), has shown exceptional leadership and support for American craft brewers. We thank them and look forward to our continued work with Congressional members on both sides of the aisle to back this important legislation.”