More than 100 brewers and state guild leaders traveled to Washington, D.C., last month to take part in the Brewers Association’s annual SAVOR craft beer and food pairing event in the shadow of the U.S. Capitol building.
In addition to serving hundreds of beers alongside an assortment of cheeses, meats, and other fancy fare, industry attendees also spent time meeting with legislators to discuss a variety of issues impacting the beer industry.
In meetings with hundreds of legislative aides, brewery representatives and state guild directors asked for the permanent support of federal excise tax reductions, which went into effect on January 1 but are set to sunset after two years.
They also explained the need to continue funding the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), discussed the implications of steel and aluminum tariffs and highlighted the growth of small craft breweries by congressional district.
“Grassroots lobbying is a key way for brewers to advocate for their business and build relationships with federal legislators,” Katie Marisic, the federal affairs manager for the BA, said via a statement. “With more than 6,200 breweries across the country, it is important that small and independent brewers have a say in the political process.”
Catch a glimpse of the action from SAVOR 2018 in the video above.