Free Republic

European brewers last week (4 December) urged EU negotiators to put a removal of taxes on European brewers, from which their American competitors are exempt, on the table in the free-trade negotiations with the US. In the EU, small brewers have a reduced excise tax rate. This tax rate also applies to small US brewers importing to the EU, whereas the equivalent small brewer tax relief in the US only applies to domestically-produced beer. This puts EU brewers exporting to the US at an important disadvantage, Brigid Simmonds, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said at a...

It's last call for alcohol at Maryland state parks. Drinking without a $35 group permit will be banned March 31 in day-use areas and Nov. 1 in campgrounds and shelters, the Department of Natural Resources said Tuesday. After that, consuming alcohol anywhere in the 65 parks except in full-service cabins, recreational vehicles or at the Rocky Gap Lodge will be outlawed and punishable by a $55 fine. The agency currently allows alcohol consumption at park picnic tables, including those in campgrounds. But too many people abuse that privilege and spoil things for those seeking a peaceful outdoor experience, said Nita...

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Five Oregon state lawmakers want to impose a hefty tax on beer and have introduced a bill that brewers say would cripple them. Four Portland legislators joined a Springfield senator to introduce Oregon House Bill 2461, which would impose a $49.61 tax on each barrel of beer produced by Oregon brewers. The tax would raise revenue for the state at a time when budgets are running in the red. Specifically, the bill says it would fund prevention, treatment and recovery programs for those addicted to alcohol and other substances. It also defends the tax by claiming alcoholism...

There was some rather interesting news last week that did not receive enough media play. Some of these things could even be important to the rights of the American people. Others are just interesting because very few people heard about them. One interesting tidbit is that Rep. David Bonior -- who Rush calls the "Pet Yorkie" for good reason -- is running for Governor of Michigan. Because of that, House Socialist-Democrat leader Dick Gephardt stopped by for a while to promote him. The good part is, hardly anyone paid any attention. Bonior will be a big loser in Michigan. Too...

ere's an idea few would raise a glass to: The City Council is considering a tippling tax that would add 10 cents to every bottle of wine and beer sold in the city, sources said yesterday. The move — which follows Mayor Bloomberg's call for a $1.42 boost in the city cigarette tax — would pump $30 million into the city's rapidly depleting coffers. The city imposes a 25% tax on state liquor license fees, and an excise tax on distributors of 12 cents a gallon for beer and 26.4 cents a liter for liquor. But beer and liquor aren't...