|
Repeal of the federal excise tax on beer, the last vestige
of "luxury" taxes enacted in 1991, now has 219 co-sponsors
in the U.S. House of Representatives.
The
co-sponsors of H.R. 1305 are a majority in the house and the
National Beer Wholesalers Association says a similar bill
should soon be introduced in the U.S. Senate.
The
excise tax on beer doubled the tax on beer to $18 per 31-gallon
barrel or 33 cents per six pack. If repealed, the tax would
decrease to $9 per 31-gallon barrel or 16 cents per six pack.
The
1991 excise tax increase resulted in beer price increases,
the largest decline in beer sales in 30 years, and a loss
of excise tax revenue to states and the federal government.
The
beer excise tax is the sole remaining 1991 excise tax increase
that has not been repealed or phased out including additional
taxes on luxuries such yachts, furs and jewelry.
"That
beer was included in excise increases on luxury items was
ridiculous in 1991 and it's unfair to continue to single out
beer drinkers for extra taxes today," said Jerry G. Clinton,
President and Chairman of the Board of Grey Eagle. "Repealing
this extra "luxury" tax on beer is long overdue."
|
