NYLON – A state Senator has introduced legislation to exempt beer, cider and liquor tasting from sales tax, aiming to achieve fairness with other alcohol sales.
According to a press release from Sen. Patrick M. Gallivan, the legislation would allow licensed breweries, cider producers and distilleries to provide tastings without having to pay sales tax, even if they charge for the tasting.
“We are seeing more and more breweries and distilleries open across New York, including many farm-based operations, but they don’t enjoy the same sales tax benefits provided to wineries,” said Sen. Gallivan.
Under current law, according to the release, wineries are not required to pay a sales tax when they charge for the tasting, an exemption that breweries, cideries and distilleries are not granted. “It’s only fair that we level the playing field for these businesses and their customers so that they too realize some savings,” said Sen. Gallivan.
Bill S.6556, if passed, would provide the same sales tax exemption currently granted to wineries in New York State, amending tax laws and seeking to bring parity to the alcohol industry.
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