Contact: Mike Fraser, office: (518) 455-3751; cell: (518) 859-8518
Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,C,I,Ref-Canandaigua) applauded the governor's signing of a new tax exemption for licensed breweries, farm breweries, cider producers, farm cideries, distilleries and farm distilleries.
Leader Kolb first introduced the bill in January of 2016 after meeting with George Adams, owner and head brewer at Gael Brewing Company in Geneva. During that meeting, they discussed the dramatic differences in regulations pertaining to breweries and wineries.
"This legislation provides a tremendous boost to an emerging industry driving both tourism and economic activity," Leader Kolb said. "By reducing the onerous tax burden on small businesses, we give them a greatly enhanced opportunity to create jobs, prosper and grow our economy. I am proud to have introduced this critical, common-sense bill that provides meaningful assistance to local breweries and distilleries."
Leader Kolb cosponsored the small-business legislation (A.6945A) as a means to level the playing field with wineries that already enjoy a tax break. The legislation passed overwhelmingly in both the Assembly and Senate earlier this year.
"Craft brewing is one of the fastest-growing industries in the state. The number of craft beverage producers has grown by more than 180 percent in the past six years," Leader Kolb said. "It is our responsibility as legislators to give our small businesses every chance to thrive. This bill is a great step in the right direction."