CHEERSAct.org Launches in Support of Bipartisan Initiative to Boost Economic Relief for Local Retail Partners and Their Employees
2024年6月18日 - 11:38PM
Today, CHEERSAct.org, an information and grassroots clearinghouse
for the bipartisan Creating Hospitality Economic Enhancement for
Restaurants and Servers (CHEERS) Act, launched to serve as a
resource for consumers and retailers about this crucial bill. The
CHEERS Act aims to alleviate financial strain on America’s
hospitality and retail sector, including taprooms, restaurants,
bars and venues by encouraging the adoption of energy-efficient
draft beer systems.
Thirteen associations representing hospitality, retail, beer,
cider, food and other industries, alongside three major retail
employers, already support the legislation. The CHEERS Act expands
existing sustainability tax credits to cover the installation of
new keg and tap systems, an environmentally-friendly way to
distribute and sell beer.
Organizations supporting the bill released the following
statements heralding the new website and the initiative to invest
in local businesses and employees, including the more than 16
million Americans working in the hospitality industry and the more
than 300,000 draft locations in the United States.
“The beer industry and our partners across sectors are thrilled
to see momentum build for the CHEERS Act, which will provide
much-needed relief to local businesses and their employees,” said
Brian Crawford, president and CEO of the Beer Institute.
“CHEERSAct.org is an easy one-stop-shop that offers resources for
consumers and retailers to tell policymakers what the CHEERS Act
would mean for their communities.”
“Independent venues still need help as they face inflation,
predatory resellers driving up ticket costs, and the challenges
plaguing all small businesses,” said Stephen Parker, executive
director of the National Independent Venue Association. “The CHEERS
Act would provide assistance to them for simply continuing offering
cost- and energy-efficient draft beverages. It would also give
independent venues a financial pathway to install draft lines if
they have not been able to before. We urge Congress to prioritize
relief and sustainability by passing The CHEERS Act.”
“America’s beer and beverage distributors are proud to support
the CHEERS Act, which will allow community bars and restaurants to
make important investments in draught beer to help revitalize their
businesses,” said Craig Purser, president and CEO of the National
Beer Wholesalers Association. “By educating policymakers and the
public on the CHEERS Act, this new website will help keep momentum
growing to advance this legislation.”
“Healthy on-premise business and draught service are crucial to
the overall health of small and independent craft brewers,” said
Bob Pease, president and CEO of the Brewers Association. “With 30%
of all draft beer sold produced by craft brewers, restaurants,
bars, and retail partners are integral parts of the brewing
community. We are excited to support this consolidated new resource
to fuel the momentum behind the CHEERS Act and support the economic
recovery of the hospitality sector and its employees.”
“For local brewpubs, bars, restaurants and venues under
tremendous pressure, the CHEERS Act will provide increased access
to the economic and sustainability benefits REUSABLE steel kegs
deliver,” said Dan Vorlage, executive director of the Steel Keg
Association. “CHEERSAct.org is now the central rallying point
to further increase focus and build momentum behind this critical
piece of legislation.”
"BeerBoard continues to enthusiastically endorse the CHEERS
Act,” said Mark Young, founder and CEO of BeerBoard. “This bill is
a critical component in reducing the financial strain on America’s
hospitality and retail sector, both for operators and consumers
alike. As the leader in technology and insights for the three tiers
of the hospitality industry, BeerBoard remains committed in its
efforts to unite the industry, enhance efficiency and drive
improved revenues for all. The CHEERS Act will play a major role in
that effort moving forward."
The following organizations currently support the CHEERS
Act:
- American Beverage Licensees
- American Cider Association
- American Hotel and Lodging Association
- Beer Institute
- BeerBoard
- Brewers Association
- Buffalo Wild Wings
- Independent Restaurant Coalition
- International Franchise Association
- Latino Food Industry Association
- National Beer Wholesalers Association
- National Independent Venue Association
- National Restaurant Association
- Steel Keg Association
- Tully’s
- Winking Lizard Tavern
To learn more about the CHEERS Act or to lend support, visit
CHEERSAct.org.
About the CHEERS Act:
Since 2005, the tax code has provided the Section 179D deduction
for qualifying investments in energy-efficient systems on
commercial premises. This provision would be expanded to apply to
all new keg and tap properties, incentivizing the use of draft
lines and keg equipment in taprooms, restaurants, bars and
entertainment venues. The legislation also would provide an
additional benefit for the remodeling of draft property and for
lost or stolen kegs. Congress has modified definitions for
qualifying property within Section 179D several times in recent
years to expand the scope of the deduction. The CHEERS
Act expands Section 179D again to include an incentive for
energy-efficient draft containers and installation property,
providing immediate tax relief to struggling on-premise
businesses.
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The Beer Institute is a national trade association
for the American brewing industry, representing brewers, beer
importers and industry suppliers—an industry that supports nearly
2.4 million jobs and provides more than $409 billion to the
American economy. First founded in 1862 as the U.S. Brewers
Association, the Beer Institute is committed today to developing
sound public policy and to the values of civic duty and personal
responsibility. For additional updates from the Beer
Institute, visit our website and follow
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Jeff Guittard
Beer Institute
2027372337
jguittard@beerinstitute.org