Brewers Association presents Legislator of the Year award

Citing tireless work on behalf of America’s small and independent craft brewers, the Brewers Association (BA) presented two U.S. Congressmen with the organization’s Legislator of the Year Award. Reps. Jim Gerlach (R-Pa.) and Richard E. Neal (D-Mass.) were recognized for their stewardship of the Small Brewer Reinvestment and Expanding Workforce Act (Small BREW Act). The awards were presented at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., by Bob Pease, chief operating officer of the Brewers Association; Jim Koch, co-founder and chairman of Boston Beer Co.; and Bill Covaleski, founder and brewmaster of Victory Brewing Co. and president of the Brewers of Pennsylvania.

“The efforts of Congressmen Gerlach and Neal reflect their appreciation for America’s small brewers and the significant economic contributions that these men and women bring to the national economy,” Pease said. “We recognize both of these leaders for their commitment to creating a level playing field for small and independent brewers in their home states and across the country.”

The Small BREW Act, introduced by Gerlach and Neal during the 112th Congress and expected to be reintroduced in February 2013, aims to recalibrate the federal excise tax rate structure to further foster the growth of America’s dynamic craft brewing community. Currently, brewers producing less than 2 million barrels (bbls) of beer per year pay $7 per barrel on the first 60,000 bbls they brew, and $18 per barrel on every barrel thereafter. If the Small BREW Act is adopted, the rate for the smallest brewers and brewpubs would be $3.50 on the first 60,000 bbls . For production between 60,001 and 2 million bbls the rate would be $16 per barrel. Any brewer that exceeds 2 million bbls (about 1 percent of the U.S. beer market) would begin paying the full $18 rate. Breweries with an annual production of 6 million bbls or less would qualify for these tax rates.

“Small brewers provide a significant economic spark, creating tens of thousands of jobs and generating tens of billions of dollars in economic activity each year in Pennsylvania and across America,” said Congressman Gerlach, co-chairman of the House Small Brewers Caucus. “These independent and innovative small business owners often work just as hard at improving their communities as they do perfecting their world-class products. It is a tremendous honor to be recognized by the Brewers Association for my bipartisan work in Congress to help small brewers remain competitive and continue building upon the success of America’s craft-brewing revolution.”

“I am honored that the Brewers Association has chosen me as one of their Legislators of the Year,” said Congressman Neal. “As someone who represents many small brewers in Massachusetts, this award has special meaning for me. Craft breweries are locally owned, generate economic development and create good jobs. They also make distinctive products for passionate consumers. As a supporter of the industry, I have introduced bipartisan legislation that would give small brewers a substantial tax break. My plan would recalibrate the beer excise tax for America’s craft brewers, allowing them to reinvest in their businesses. With the help of Brewers Association, I believe this initiative can be approved by the House of Representatives during this session of Congress.”