WASHINGTON D.C. – A new bipartisan bill to cut federal excise taxes on distillers of all sizes has been introduced by Rep. Todd Young (R-IN) and Rep. John Yarmuth (D-KY), the Distilled Spirits Council (DISCUS) and the American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA) announced today.

The bill, HR 2520, the Distillery Innovation and Excise Tax Reform Act of 2015, which is supported by trade associations representing both large and small distillers, would cut the current tax rate of $13.50 per proof gallon to $2.70 per proof gallon on the first 100,000 gallons for all distillers.  The bill sets a rate of $9.00 per proof gallon on all spirits above the 100,000 gallon threshold.

Importantly, the two trade groups agreed that these rates should apply to all distillers regardless of size, and to imported spirits as well as domestic products.

“It is significant that the distillers of all sizes are united behind this important hospitality industry legislation,” said Distilled Spirits CEO Peter Cressy.  “We thank the sponsors for recognizing the economic impact passage of this bill will have for our industry.”

ACSA President Tom Mooney from House Spirits in Portland, OR, said, “This bill will help create jobs across America for the rapidly growing distilling industry. It will translate into real economic benefits and jobs for hundreds of small distillers and their surrounding communities.”

Ted Huber of Starlight Distillery in Indiana, who is both a DISCUS board member and ACSA vice president, added, “I want to thank Congressmen Young and Yarmuth for championing our distilleries by introducing this bill.”

Distilled spirits products are one of the most highly taxed consumer products in the United States with more than half of the purchase price of a typical bottle of spirits going to taxes and fees.

The Distilled Spirits Council represents large and mid-sized distillers, and nearly 120 small distiller affiliate members.  ACSA, representing more than 300 small distillers nationwide, is a not for profit trade association dedicated to protecting and promoting American craft spirits.