Distilled Spirits Council of the United States

The Wisconsin legislature is considering a 58 percent increase to the state distilled spirits taxes. SB 66 will be considered by the Joint Finance Committee in the coming weeks.

Congress may be on recess, but our industry must stay vigilant and continue communicating with representatives to thwart further taxation of the hospitality industry to finance proposed initiatives. DISCUS offers the following update and ideas for making the industry’s position known.

At this point, numerous sources who are part of these negotiations claim that an increase in alcohol taxes is not part of any discussion. But realistically, everything is still on the table.

Democrats are working earnestly to appease various factions of their caucus, but it appears they are still far from finding a solution that will summon enough votes.

Congress returned from recess last week and resumed work on health care reform. Although legislation was expected to move through each respective chamber over the next two weeks, progress has stalled.