Washington craft distilleries petition to change tax rules

Getting into the spirit. Image by Sebastian.b. / CC BY 2.0

In Washington State nearly a third of what consumers pay for a bottle of vodka is tax, but micro and craft distilleries are hoping to change that. Local spirit makers say their growing industry is being hobbled by heavy taxes that limit small-time operators and suppress their ability to compete with larger players. A new bill introduced to Congress would reduce small distilleries’ tax liabilities to a fifth of its current rate. Rick Larsen, a Democrat Representative who sponsored the bill, says similar legislation helped spur small brewery and winery businesses. Read more: king5.com