Statement By The BI And Allies Regarding Proposals To Extend Washington’s Temporary Beer Tax

SEATTLE – In response to the release of budget plans from the Governor, the state Senate and the state House, the Washington Brewers Guild, the Beer Institute, and End the Beer Tax Coalition today issued the following statement in response to proposals to extend and expand the temporary tax on beer:

“We unequivocally oppose the extension of the temporary beer tax and further oppose any expansion of the tax to small brewers. When the nearly 200% tax increase on beer was enacted in 2010, lawmakers gave us their word that it would be temporary. We urge Olympia politicians to keep their promise – end the temporary beer tax and no new beer taxes so brewers of all sizes can grow, compete and help Washington’s economy flourish.”

The Washington Brewers Guild, the Beer Institute and the End the Beer Tax Now coalition represent a broad group of organizations and individuals that include brewers of all sizes, hop growers, restaurant owners, neighborhood retailers, distributors, grocers, bar owners, business representatives and beer enthusiasts who are working together to stop this threat.