Cedar Rapids Brewing Society

"Mike Heller, a lobbyist for the Iowa Wholesalers Association, said the group would oppose that change.

He acknowledged the move would take away business from distributors, but said his organization opposes it for reasons beyond possible business ramifications.

"You're still dealing with a highly controlled product," he said. "You don't see drug manufacturers retailing prescription drugs. I think there's a distinction when you get into the sale of alcohol products, because they're highly regulated, and there are a lot of tax and revenue implications for the state in the sale of alcohol products. Wholesalers collect a lot of tax revenue for the state. The system has benefits, and it protects consumers, beyond the business implications."

All I can say is a big fat - BULLSH!T!! They just don't want to lose their cut is all! But, they have the power in Des Moines and it won't happen, which sucks for the consumer. Just jacks up the price.

These laws are going into effect all over. I've sold a couple draft systems to convenience stores on the east coast that are selling growlers to go. hope it actually happens.

What they really need to change, and this article says is unlikely, is the blocking of brew pubs from selling growers. The current rules are too arbitrary.

Established middlemen trying to block innovation and free markets, using fear, uncertainty, and doubt, with a generous helping of hyperbole? Color me SHOCKED

As for all those words he spews, It would be ridiculously easy to just shift to a flat sales tax by volume on all alcoholic beverages, paid at the point of first sale/transfer. But that would be too easy and sensible.

Andrew, you are proposing a flat tax on alcohol sales? I'm shocked I tell you, absolutely shocked! Now, go wash your mouth out with beer.

Steven P wrote:Andrew, you are proposing a flat tax on alcohol sales? I'm shocked I tell you, absolutely shocked! Now, go wash your mouth out with beer.

Haha, only as an incremental improvement.