Second Report on Alcohol Consumption and Health Draws Industry Trade Groups’ Ire
All major beverage-alcohol industry trade groups have united in opposition of a draft study about alcohol consumption’s effect on health, which was released Tuesday.
Government Affairs
Featured Government Affairs Content
Additional Content
US Senate Passes Tax Bill, Approves Tax Breaks for Booze Makers
The United States Senate passed a sweeping tax reform bill early Saturday morning that includes a number of changes to the tax code and benefits alcohol producers. With a vote of 51-49 today, the Senate passed H.R. 1, the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act,” which is the largest tax overhaul in 31 years and includes the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act (CBMTRA).
Proposed Senate Tax Bill Would Benefit Brewers
For the first time ever, beer excise tax reductions have been included in a comprehensive federal tax reform proposal. On Tuesday night, U.S. Senate Finance Committee chairman Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) released a “Chairman’s Mark” to the Senate GOP’s version of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
FDA Offers Additional Guidance on Menu Labeling
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) released its latest draft guidance for calorie-posting requirements on Tuesday, offering additional clarification for establishments in which alcoholic beverages are a regular part of menus.
North Carolina Guild Taps New Belgium Government Affairs Director as Exec Director
The North Carolina Craft Brewers Guild has hired Andrew Lemley as the organization’s new executive director. Lemley comes to the Guild from New Belgium Brewing Company, where he most recently served for the last four years as the Fort Collins-headquartered brewery’s government affairs representative.
The Majority of US Senators Now Endorse Beer Excise Tax Reform
A majority of U.S. senate members now support legislation that would reduce excise taxes on all brewers and importers. According to a press release jointly produced by six beverage lobbying groups, including the Beer Institute and the Brewers Association, 51 senators have co-sponsored Senate Bill 236, known as the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act (CBMTRA).