This week I am sure you are aware of the current battle with the State of Washington and the possible raising and extending the beer tax. This is one of the most progressive and highest beer taxes proposed in the country. So I asked the brewers/breweries the following question and below are there answers. I got an overwhelming response so I am posting every reply I received.
The question – The Governors proposed plan is to Extend and Raise the Beer Tax here in WA State. How do you feel this proposal will affect your brewery?
Horse Heaven Hills Brewery – 
For Horse Heaven, the increase would be devastating. Small breweries are not highly profitable. The profits we make are in place to take care of my family and are going toward growing our business into a second business – a brew pub called Horse Heaven Saloon. In short, a brewery our size can not simply pass on a huge hike in tax revenue to our customers. There are to many large breweries in and out of state that would be in a much better position than us to survive. Our plans to grow our business would be severely handicapped. The Governor’s idea to increase revenues on beer especially for small breweries is simplistic and shorted sited. i expect better thinking to come out of Olympia and the Governor’s office.
Gary Vegar – Brewer/Owner
