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?
Justice Brewing –
I feel betrayed, honestly. After my family spent days and weeks helping Jay Inslee get elected he turns around and hits us hard. I will have to raise my 1/2BBL keg prices by about $15 if the high end tax price gets enacted. This will price me out of competition with competing Colorado and Oregon breweries that get to hedge their prices across multiple markets. Beer is a small margin game, and with this it’s just going to tilt the favor to companies that want to take the money out of the state. This tax won’t even put a dent in the massive budget deficit. How about they focus on the $1.5 Billion in amnesty the state gave to Microsoft and the $100 million in tax breaks they get every year.
Nate McLaughlin – Justice Brewing
