Just got this from my friends at Harpoon Brewery:
This is a special message for all Massachusetts Friends of HarpoonDon't Tax My Beer!
There is a very important political discussion taking place on Beacon Hill that will affect all of us. As lawmakers finalize the fiscal year 2010 budget, they have unexpectedly included a new 6.25% tax on alcohol. This is the result of the combination of raising the sales tax from 5% to 6.25% and of applying the sales tax to alcohol for the first time.
Keep in mind that while beer is not currently subject to sales tax in Massachusetts, it is subject to both state and federal excise taxes, corporate taxes, and other fees totaling on average about 37% of the retail price of a case of beer. That's $8.88 in a $25.00 case of beer. Do you want to pay an additional 6.25% at the cash register? Didn't think so.
What can YOU do?
Call or email your State Representative and Senator. You can use this link to find contact information for your legislators. Please tell them to oppose the application of the 6.25% sales tax to beer. This discussion is going on NOW. Please contact them NOW. We are all facing economic challenges right now. The last thing we need is to pay more for one of life's true remaining simple pleasures: enjoying a cold Harpoon on a warm summer afternoon!