National call to action today! Fill out this simple form and urge Congress to pass the Craft Beverage Modernization Act already

Craft brewers need all the help they can muster these days, and Congress, well it’s their job to help people. Today is a great time to remind them. All those trade organizations in the alcohol beverage industry (from the Brewers Association to the American Distilled Spirits Alliance) are asking members and industry voices like us to promote a call to action today (Dec. 1) — contact your members of Congress (here) to urge passage of the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act, S.362/H.R. 1175 (CBMTRA). Because big tax dollars are at stake for craft breweries.

To the press release!

“With less than four weeks remaining before the current tax rates expire, the entire industry is mobilizing their networks, consumers and suppliers to send an urgent call to Congress that they must act now,” said the CBMTRA Coalition. “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. A drastic tax hike at the stroke of midnight on December 31 will be a devastating start to the new year for these small businesses that are already struggling to keep their doors open.”

Here’s the rundown on the importance of the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act. Day of Action participants (that’s you, reader) 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 an ultra-simple form to contact your congress person.

Who are the trade orgs behind this national call of action? The CBMTRA coalition, 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 Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) and by Representatives 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 currently has 351 sponsors in the House and 77 in the Senate.