ADVOCACY

ACSA’s Government Affairs Committee, in conjunction with its lobbyist on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., works tirelessly to promote a sound business climate for the craft spirits producer. Its focus was on the reduction of the onerous Federal Excise Tax (FET), with a mantra to provide parity with beer and wine. In December 2017, a short victory lap was enjoyed as substantial provisions of the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act (CBMTRA) was passed. On January 1, 2018, craft distillers began paying a reduced FET from $13.50 down to $2.70 per proof gallon up to the first 100,000 pg. On December 27, 2020, the President signed the  CBMTRA as part of an omnibus and stimulus package, giving the country’s 2,200 craft spirits producers much-needed, permanent tax relief and parity with their counterparts in beer and wine, who have enjoyed lower rates for many years. Federal excise tax (FET) reform has been ACSA’s top legislative priority, and the President’s signing marks a major victory for the distilled spirits industry. In addition to the hardships the industry faces as it crawls back from distillery closures due to COVID, distillers faced a 400 percent tax hike come January 1, 2021 without legislation.

Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB)

The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) is a bureau under the Department of the Treasury. The TTB collects Federal excise taxes on alcohol, tobacco, firearms, and ammunition and to assure compliance with Federal tobacco permitting and alcohol permitting, labeling, and marketing requirements to protect consumers.

Federal Legislation

View a list of proposed or pending federal legislation that affect our industry.

State Legislation

View a list of proposed or pending state legislation that affect our industry.

2024 Legislative Fly-In

September 17 – 18, 2024 Washington, D.C.

Our annual fly-in event is complimentary to all members who want to help educate Congress on issues facing our small business manufacturing sector. No experience is necessary—we will provide a full briefing and get you up to speed on issues that can change our economic landscape.

Learn more about the 2024 Fly-In.

Advocacy News

Comments Regarding Development of 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans

The American Craft Spirits Association and a coalition of other groups representing the beverage alcohol sector today urged the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Agriculture (USDA) to ensure a fair and transparent process in developing the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs). In a letter to HHS...

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ACSA Comments Regarding Labeling and Advertising of Distilled Spirits with Alcohol Content, Nutritional Information, Major Food Allergens, and Ingredients

March 28, 2024 Amy R. Greenberg, DirectorRegulations and Rulings DivisionAlcohol Tobacco and Trade Bureau (TTB)1310 G St NW Ste 400 Washington, DC 20005 Re: Comments for TTB Notice No. 232: Docket No.TTB-2024-0002, Labeling and Advertising of Wine, Distilled Spirits, and Malt Beverages with Alcohol Content, Nutritional Information, Major Food Allergens,...

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