Beer Prices May Be On The Rise In Michigan

Thanks to a proposal from Rep. Tom Hooker (R-Byron Center), the cost of beer may increase!

According to Mlive

"The beer tax hasn't been raised since 1966. It's currently $6.30 per barrel, or about 1.9 cents per 12-ounce can. House Bill 5873 would raise the tax to $21.70 per barrel, or 6.5 cents per can. The additional revenue would be directed to state recovery programs, drug treatment courts and police departments for additional enforcement of underage drinking laws."

I get that the tax on beer has not been raised in years, and that the extra money would help people, but it will also hurt people. Wait, hear me out! Kalamazoo and Battle Creek, plus many other cities in our great state are homes to incredible breweries. With an added tax there is a risk that new breweries may not be able to start up because of cost. Or, the younger, newly established breweries may not be able to stay afloat. It takes money to start and keep business alive, and if the prices go up, less people purchase the brew, and companies go under. How does that help our state if homegrown businesses die?

The bill was introduced yesterday, so it's a waiting game now. Fingers crossed, this bill doesn't pass!