Legislative Events, Newsfeed

StopMnDrinkTax.org

The House and Senate version of the Tax Omnibus bill are in conference committee to hash out differences between the bills. The House version has a steep increase alcohol taxes. You can links and language below.

We’ve created StopMnDrinkTax.org to give you an easy resource for contacting your legislators.  Please, use it and share it with your friends.

Rep. Paul Thissen– Click here to email
Call: 651-296-5375

Sen Tom Bakk– Click here to email
(651) 296-8881

 

Link to the Senate version.

Link to the House Version.

House language pertaining to excise tax.

59.32    Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 297G.03, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
59.33    Subdivision 1. General rate; distilled spirits and wine. The following excise tax is
59.34imposed on all distilled spirits and wine manufactured, imported, sold, or possessed in
59.35this state:

 

60.1 Standard Metric
60.2
60.3
60.4		 (a) Distilled spirits, liqueurs, cordials,
and specialties regardless of alcohol
content (excluding ethyl alcohol)		 $ 5.03
11.02per gallon		 $ 1.33
2.91per liter
60.5
60.6
60.7
60.8		 (b) Wine containing 14 percent or less
alcohol by volume (except cider as
defined in section<statute_ref>297G.01, subdivision
3a )		 $ .30
2.08 per gallon		 $ .08
.55per liter
60.9
60.10
60.11		 (c) Wine containing more than 14
percent but not more than 21 percent
alcohol by volume		 $ .95
2.73 per gallon		 $ .25
.72per liter
60.12
60.13
60.14		 (d) Wine containing more than 21
percent but not more than 24 percent
alcohol by volume		 $ 1.82
3.64 per gallon		 $ .48
.97per liter
60.15
60.16		 (e) Wine containing more than 24
percent alcohol by volume		 $ 3.52
5.34 per gallon		 $ .93
1.42per liter
60.17
60.18		 (f) Natural and artificial sparkling wines
containing alcohol		 $ 1.82
3.60 per gallon		 $ .48
.95per liter
60.19
60.20		 (g) Cider as defined in section<statute_ref>297G.01,
subdivision 3a		 $ .15
1.93 per gallon		 $ .04
.51per liter
60.21
60.22		 (h) Low-alcohol dairy cocktails $ .08
1.36 per gallon		 $ .02
.36per liter

 

60.23In computing the tax on a package of distilled spirits or wine, a proportional tax at a
60.24like rate on all fractional parts of a gallon or liter must be paid, except that the tax on a
60.25fractional part of a gallon less than 1/16 of a gallon is the same as for 1/16 of a gallon.
60.26EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective July 1, 2013.

 

60.27    Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 297G.03, is amended by adding a
60.28subdivision to read:
60.29    Subd. 5. Small winery credit. (a) A qualified winery is entitled to a tax credit of
60.30$2.08 per gallon on 50,000 gallons sold in any fiscal year beginning July 1. Qualified
60.31wineries may take the credit on the 18th day of each month, but the total credit allowed
60.32may not exceed in any fiscal year the lesser of:
60.33(1) the liability for tax; or
60.34(2) $104,000.
60.35(b) For purposes of this subdivision, a “qualified winery” means a winery, whether
60.36or not located in this state, producing less than 100,000 gallons of wine in the calendar
60.37year immediately preceding the calendar year for which the credit under this subdivision
60.38is claimed. In determining the number of gallons, all brands or labels of a winery must
60.39be combined. All facilities for the production of wine owned or controlled by the same
60.40person, corporation, or other entity must be treated as a single winery.
61.1EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective July 1, 2013.

 

61.2    Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 297G.04, is amended to read:
61.3297G.04 FERMENTED MALT BEVERAGES; RATE OF TAX.
61.4    Subdivision 1. Tax imposed. The following excise tax is imposed on all fermented
61.5malt beverages that are imported, directly or indirectly sold, or possessed in this state:
61.6(1) on fermented malt beverages containing not more than 3.2 percent alcohol by
61.7weight, $2.40 $25.55 per 31-gallon barrel; and
61.8(2) on fermented malt beverages containing more than 3.2 percent alcohol by
61.9weight, $4.60 $27.75 per 31-gallon barrel.
61.10For fractions of a 31-gallon barrel, the tax rate is calculated proportionally.
61.11    Subd. 2. Tax credit. A qualified brewer producing fermented malt beverages is
61.12entitled to a tax credit of $4.60 $27.75 per barrel on 25,000 50,000 barrels sold in any
61.13fiscal year beginning July 1, regardless of the alcohol content of the product. Qualified
61.14brewers may take the credit on the 18th day of each month, but the total credit allowed
61.15may not exceed in any fiscal year the lesser of:
61.16(1) the liability for tax; or
61.17(2) $115,000 $1,387,500.
61.18For purposes of this subdivision, a “qualified brewer” means a brewer, whether or
61.19not located in this state, manufacturing less than 100,000 200,000 barrels of fermented
61.20malt beverages in the calendar year immediately preceding the calendar year for which
61.21the credit under this subdivision is claimed. In determining the number of barrels, all
61.22brands or labels of a brewer must be combined. All facilities for the manufacture of
61.23fermented malt beverages owned or controlled by the same person, corporation, or other
61.24entity must be treated as a single brewer.
61.25EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective July 1, 2013.

 

Legislative Events, Newsfeed

Sunday Alcohol Sales Amendment Fails

Sadly, the Sunday sales amendment sponsored by Tina Liebling was shot down by both sides of the aisle.
Watch video testimony here.
Shortly after the vote House Minority Leader Kurt Daudt tweeted the roll call including his negative vote.


Daudt’s vote and the “no” votes other Republicans seem to contradict the MN GOP Platform.

We support a fair, honest and competitive business environment…

Failing to allow Sunday liquor sales put local liquor store owners at a competitive disadvantage with bars. Furthermore, it puts MN at a competitive disadvantage with surrounding states every week.

166271_513262818730826_577865838_n

Newsfeed

Northbound Smokehouse & Brewpub Begins Growler Sales

northbound growlersNorthbound Smokehouse & Brewpub announced via Facebook that they will start Growler sales on Monday, May 6th. They doubled their fermentation space in February and are now able to produce enough beer to have growlers. They will start by offering their four year-round beers: Big Jim IPA, Light Rail Pale Ale, Smokehouse Porter and Honey Wheat. They intend to offer their seasonal beers via growlers later this summer.

If you want to buy them on Sundays, Please contact your representative to let them know that you support SUNDAY SALES. http://www.gis.leg.mn/OpenLayers/districts/

 

Legislative Events, Newsfeed

Sunday Liquor Sales Amendment to be Introduced

Sunday liquor sales amendment will be introduced in the House Wednesday by Tina Liebling, State Representative (26A, DFL).

Click here to call or email your Rep and tell them to support it!

The proposed language would read as follows:
Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 340A.504, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
Subd. 4. Intoxicating liquor; off-sale. No sale of intoxicating liquor may be made 
by an off-sale licensee:
(1) on Sundays;
(2) before 8:00 a.m. or after 10:00 p.m. on Monday through Saturday Sunday; or
(3) on Thanksgiving Day;
(4) (2) on Christmas Day, December 25; or.
(5) after 8:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve, December 24.
EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.“
Renumber the sections in sequence and correct the internal references
Amend the title accordingly

 

Newsfeed

National Beer Excise Taxes – By the Numbers

STATE TAX RATES ON BEER
EXCISETAX RATES
($ per gallon)		 GENERALSALES TAX APPLIES OTHER TAXES
Alaska 1.07 n.a.
Hawaii 0.93 Yes $0.54/gallon draft beer
Minnesota (proposed) 0.90 — under 3.2% – $0.077/gallon, 9% sales tax
South Carolina 0.77 Yes
Washington (1) 0.76 Yes
North Carolina 0.6171 Yes
Alabama $0.53 Yes $0.52/gallon local tax statewide
Florida 0.48 Yes
Mississippi 0.4268 Yes
Utah 0.41 Yes over 3.2% – sold through state store
New Mexico 0.41 Yes
Oklahoma 0.40 Yes under 3.2% – $0.36/gallon; 13.5% on-premise
Maine 0.35 Yes 7% on-premise saales tax
Georgia 0.32 Yes $0.53/gallon local tax
Louisiana 0.32 Yes $0.048/gallon local tax
Nebraska 0.31 Yes
New Hampshire 0.30 n.a.
South Dakota 0.27 Yes
Vermont 0.265 Yes more than 6% alcohol – $0.55; 10% on-premise sales tax
Virginia 0.26 Yes
Connecticut 0.24 Yes
Arkansas 0.23 Yes 3% off- 10% on-premise tax
Illinois 0.231 Yes $0.29/gallon in Chicago and $0.06/gallon in Cook County
Michigan 0.20 Yes
California 0.20 Yes
Texas 0.20 Yes 14% on-premise and $0.05/drink on airline sales
U.S. Median $0.350
Iowa 0.19 Yes
Kansas 0.18 — over 3.2% – {8% off- and 10% on-premise}, under 3.2% – 4.23% sales tax
Ohio 0.18 Yes
West Virginia 0.18 Yes
Arizona 0.16 Yes
Nevada 0.16 Yes
North Dakota 0.16 — 7% state sales tax, bulk beer $0.08/gal.
Delaware 0.16 n.a.
Idaho 0.15 Yes over 4% – $0.45/gallon
Minnesota
(current)		 0.15 — under 3.2% – $0.077/gallon, 9% sales tax
New York 0.14 Yes additional $0.12/gallon in New York City
Montana 0.14 n.a.
Tennessee 0.14 Yes 17% wholesale tax
New Jersey 0.12 Yes
Indiana 0.115 Yes
Massachusetts 0.11 0.57% on private club sales
Rhode Island 0.10 Yes $0.04/case wholesale tax
Maryland 0.09 — 9% sales tax; $0.2333/gallon in Garrett County
Dist. of Columbia 0.09 Yes 9% off- and on-premise sales tax
Oregon 0.08 n.a.
Kentucky 0.08 Yes 11% wholesale tax; * general sales tax applies to on-premise sales only
Colorado 0.08 Yes
Pennsylvania 0.08 Yes
Wisconsin 0.06 Yes
Missouri 0.06 Yes
Wyoming 0.02 Yes
 U.S. Median

 

  $0.350

 

  

 

  

 
Source: Federation of Tax Administrators http://www.taxadmin.org (January 1, 2013)
Note: n.a. = not applicable. These 5 states do not have a general sales tax.
(1) An additional $15.50/barrel tax will expire on 6/30/2013, reducing the tax rate to 0.26/gallon.
Home Brewing, Newsfeed

Big Brew Day

Homebrewing is the roots that the current craft beer explosion has grown from. Driven by the need to create a different beer experience from what was previously offered. Driven by the need to bring beer back to your neighborhood. Driven by the need to be creative on your terms. Bringing beer from what was just a social tool into a culture of flavor experiences.
The AHA, in lines with National Homebrew Day (May 7th), support and organize Big Brew. This will be the second year for me to attend a Big Brew event. Its a way to get homebrewers together and showcase the varied skills and tools of the homebrew nation. I take this as a learning opportunity. Or perhaps it is an opportunity to perpetuate my sickness. Whatever it may be, it is a great way to see the process of making your own beer. From entry level extract to full all grain multi-step mashing.
There are 9 events in Minnesota registered with the AHA (http://www.homebrewersassociation.org/pages/events/national-homebrew-day/about) in 2013. I will be attending the event put on by Lucid Brewing in Minnetonka. An estimated 7,100 people celebrated the AHA National Homebrew Day at 254 registered sites in May 2012. 1,500 batches created 11,200 gallons of homebrew, enjoyed around the world. Nine countries participated with registered AHA Big Brew sites, including 44 of the United States. The event is limited to 150 attendees. So if you are interested in learning or brewing you must register @ http://www.lucidbrewing.com/tours/ and follow the directions. There are events at Northern Brewer, Midwest Supplies and Still H20 as well. I have attended as a spectator to all of these events. Great info from knowledgeable brewers. Usually some snacks and samples are available. Its a family friendly environment.
The AHA always suggests a few recipes for big brew. Obviously you can brew ANYTHING you want for that day. The recipes are provided here @ http://www.homebrewersassociation.org/pages/events/national-homebrew-day/recipes. They are a Belgian Blonde, English Dark Mild and a Classic American Pilsner designed by local AHA and Primary Fermenters member Kyle Sisco. They supply recipes for both extract and all grain versions.
I encourage you to seek out one of these events. Especially if you are interested in taking up a wonderful hobby such as homebrewing. I hear that the weather will also be very nice in coming days! Hey, who doesn’t want to be outside in May. I will have my brewing equipment. Stop out to Lucid (don’t forget to register) and say hi. There will be representatives from a few local Clubs including Minnesota Home Brewers Association and Primary Fermenters. Cheers and happy fermenting!
Legislative Events, Newsfeed

House Passes Omnibus Tax Bill

The House of Representatives passed their version of the Tax Omnibus Bill HF 677. Included in the bill is a substantial excise tax increase that has been largely opposed by Minnesota breweries, wineries, distilleries, wholesalers, distributors, restaurants, pubs, bars, and consumers.

Below is a record how Representatives in the House voted and the contested language.
You can find an official voting record here. And the contested bill here.

Those who voted for the increase:

Allen Anzelc Atkins Benson, J. Bernardy
Bly Brynaert Carlson Clark Davnie
Dehn, R. Dill Dorholt Erhardt Erickson, R.
Falk Faust Fischer Freiberg Fritz
Hansen Hausman Hilstrom Hornstein Hortman
Huntley Isaacson Johnson, C. Johnson, S. Kahn
Laine Lenczewski Lesch Liebling Lien
Lillie Loeffler Mahoney Mariani Marquart
Masin McNamar Melin Metsa Moran
Morgan Mullery Murphy, E. Murphy, M. Nelson
Newton Norton Paymar Pelowski Persell
Poppe Savick Sawatzky Schoen Simon
Simonson Slocum Sundin Thissen Wagenius
Ward, J.A. Ward, J.E. Winkler Yarusso

Those who voted in the against the increase:

Abeler Albright Anderson, M. Anderson, P. Anderson, S.
Barrett Beard Benson, M. Cornish Daudt
Davids Dettmer Drazkowski Erickson, S. Fabian
FitzSimmons Franson Garofalo Green Gruenhagen
Gunther Hackbarth Halverson Hamilton Hertaus
Holberg Hoppe Howe Johnson, B. Kelly
Kieffer Kiel Kresha Leidiger Lohmer
Loon Mack McDonald McNamara Myhra
Newberger Nornes O’Driscoll O’Neill Peppin
Petersburg Pugh Quam Radinovich Rosenthal
Runbeck Sanders Schomacker Scott Selcer
Swedzinski Theis Torkelson Uglem Urdahl
Wills Woodard Zellers Zerwas

 

59.32    Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 297G.03, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
59.33    Subdivision 1. General rate; distilled spirits and wine. The following excise tax is
59.34imposed on all distilled spirits and wine manufactured, imported, sold, or possessed in
59.35this state:

60.1 Standard Metric
60.2
60.3
60.4		 (a) Distilled spirits, liqueurs, cordials,
and specialties regardless of alcohol
content (excluding ethyl alcohol)		 $ 5.03
11.02per gallon		 $ 1.33
2.91per liter
60.5
60.6
60.7
60.8		 (b) Wine containing 14 percent or less
alcohol by volume (except cider as
defined in section<statute_ref>297G.01, subdivision
3a )		 $ .30
2.08 per gallon		 $ .08
.55per liter
60.9
60.10
60.11		 (c) Wine containing more than 14
percent but not more than 21 percent
alcohol by volume		 $ .95
2.73 per gallon		 $ .25
.72per liter
60.12
60.13
60.14		 (d) Wine containing more than 21
percent but not more than 24 percent
alcohol by volume		 $ 1.82
3.64 per gallon		 $ .48
.97per liter
60.15
60.16		 (e) Wine containing more than 24
percent alcohol by volume		 $ 3.52
5.34 per gallon		 $ .93
1.42per liter
60.17
60.18		 (f) Natural and artificial sparkling wines
containing alcohol		 $ 1.82
3.60 per gallon		 $ .48
.95per liter
60.19
60.20		 (g) Cider as defined in section<statute_ref>297G.01,
subdivision 3a		 $ .15
1.93 per gallon		 $ .04
.51per liter
60.21
60.22		 (h) Low-alcohol dairy cocktails $ .08
1.36 per gallon		 $ .02
.36per liter

60.23In computing the tax on a package of distilled spirits or wine, a proportional tax at a
60.24like rate on all fractional parts of a gallon or liter must be paid, except that the tax on a
60.25fractional part of a gallon less than 1/16 of a gallon is the same as for 1/16 of a gallon.
60.26EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective July 1, 2013.

60.27    Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 297G.03, is amended by adding a
60.28subdivision to read:
60.29    Subd. 5. Small winery credit. (a) A qualified winery is entitled to a tax credit of 
60.30$2.08 per gallon on 50,000 gallons sold in any fiscal year beginning July 1. Qualified 
60.31wineries may take the credit on the 18th day of each month, but the total credit allowed 
60.32may not exceed in any fiscal year the lesser of:
60.33(1) the liability for tax; or
60.34(2) $104,000.
60.35(b) For purposes of this subdivision, a “qualified winery” means a winery, whether 
60.36or not located in this state, producing less than 100,000 gallons of wine in the calendar 
60.37year immediately preceding the calendar year for which the credit under this subdivision 
60.38is claimed. In determining the number of gallons, all brands or labels of a winery must 
60.39be combined. All facilities for the production of wine owned or controlled by the same 
60.40person, corporation, or other entity must be treated as a single winery.
61.1EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective July 1, 2013.

61.2    Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 297G.04, is amended to read:
61.3297G.04 FERMENTED MALT BEVERAGES; RATE OF TAX.
61.4    Subdivision 1. Tax imposed. The following excise tax is imposed on all fermented
61.5malt beverages that are imported, directly or indirectly sold, or possessed in this state:
61.6(1) on fermented malt beverages containing not more than 3.2 percent alcohol by
61.7weight, $2.40 $25.55 per 31-gallon barrel; and
61.8(2) on fermented malt beverages containing more than 3.2 percent alcohol by
61.9weight, $4.60 $27.75 per 31-gallon barrel.
61.10For fractions of a 31-gallon barrel, the tax rate is calculated proportionally.
61.11    Subd. 2. Tax credit. A qualified brewer producing fermented malt beverages is
61.12entitled to a tax credit of $4.60 $27.75 per barrel on 25,000 50,000 barrels sold in any
61.13fiscal year beginning July 1, regardless of the alcohol content of the product. Qualified
61.14brewers may take the credit on the 18th day of each month, but the total credit allowed
61.15may not exceed in any fiscal year the lesser of:
61.16(1) the liability for tax; or
61.17(2) $115,000 $1,387,500.
61.18For purposes of this subdivision, a “qualified brewer” means a brewer, whether or
61.19not located in this state, manufacturing less than 100,000 200,000 barrels of fermented
61.20malt beverages in the calendar year immediately preceding the calendar year for which
61.21the credit under this subdivision is claimed. In determining the number of barrels, all
61.22brands or labels of a brewer must be combined. All facilities for the manufacture of
61.23fermented malt beverages owned or controlled by the same person, corporation, or other
61.24entity must be treated as a single brewer.
61.25EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective July 1, 2013.

As time allows voting records will be updated with contact links and party affiliation.

Beer Consumers in Minnesota

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