The state Department of Taxation and Finance has issued 10 new tax guides for the alcoholic beverage industry. The agency created the documents to help inform the growing number of businesses involved with the purchase or distribution of beer, wine or liquor better understand their tax responsibilities.
“The beer, wine, and liquor industry is an expanding part of New York’s economy,” Taxation and Finance Commissioner Thomas H. Mattox said in a statement. “These new bulletins are written in plain language to help businesses understand and meet their obligations related to the alcoholic beverage tax.”
Gov. Andrew Cuomo yesterday hosted a Wine, Beer and Spirits Summit to help promote the industry, similar to the yogurt summit he held several months ago. The governor announced the state would provide $1 million for a new advertising campaign to help these businesses flourish. New York will increase funding matched by the industry by up to $2 million, for a $5 million campaign.
There are more than 450 wineries, breweries, distilleries and cideries in the state. Producers of the wine, beer and spirits have an annual total economic impact of $22 billion and employ tens of thousands of workers, he said.
“New York’s vibrant beer, wine, cider and spirits industry supports thousands of jobs across the state and is a major driver of tourism in many communities,” Cuomo said in a statement. “The important discussion held at this summit and key reforms that resulted continue our work as an entrepreneurial government to partner with the private sector to help key industries thrive and prosper.”
Cuomo signed legislation this summer to support New York breweries and wineries and expand industry-related economic development and tourism. The laws created a farm brewery license that allows craft brewers to expand their operations by opening restaurants or selling new products; exempted brewers that make small batches of beer from an annual state Liquor Authority fee; and made other changes.
Regulatory changes announced by the governor include ending a prohibition against multiple manufacturing licenses at the same location when businesses produce more than one type of beverage; permitting craft beer manufacturers to sell bottles at all venues where they can conduct tastings; reducing the fee for manufacturers’ marketing permits; and reducing license application requirements for manufacturers.
(Journal News file photo of Whitecliff Vineyard & Winery, Gardiner.)
