As you may be aware, in 2018 the subject of a taproom tax was propesed.  The tax, which is scheduled to take effect July 1st, would increase the amount of taxes breweries are required to pay who sell beer directly to consumers in their tasting rooms and retail locations. Essentially if the brewery is selling their beer direct to their consumer, outside of a wholesaler, they will be taxed more.

How does this effect you as the consumer? It will become more expensive to drink at your local breweries taproom or retail location. Breweries will be required to collect the state’s 6% sales tax on every portion sold (pints, growlers, etc). This will increase the amount YOU spend at your local breweries.

The public hearing, which will take place on Tuesday, April 23rd at 2:00 PM, will be hosted by state Representative Natalie Mihalek, (R-Upper St. Clair) at Spoonwood Brewing in Pittsburgh. The discussion will be centered around this tax by Pennsylvania’s Department of Revenue.

Representative Mihalek is quoted by the Trib as saying; “Local breweries in Pennsylvania are small businesses that support hundreds of communities with thousands of jobs that contribute millions in tax revenue statewide. A pour of their beer should not cost the consumer more at the source than it does at a local restaurant, but a fair tax on the kegs produced ensures sustainable contributions into the communities that support them.”

The public hearing will host representatives from the the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association, PA Department of Revenue, the Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association and Brewers of PA.

Want to make your voice heard? Stop by Spoonwood Brewing in Pittsburgh to make your voice heard.