Little help with stupid Mass politicians???

[luke2080]

Thats a good article. The $6k to $10k isn't referenced, just the author throwing a range with no facts (I trust the ABCC lincense fee schedule on that). Hopefully the new legislation passes, its got the right momentum to. Then we can have real system instead of the half-arsed one that was in place. So out of the over reaction (and mis-step by administrators) in the first place by legislation and dumb advisories, hopefully something good comes of this.

Will have to call the state senator and voice the old opinion.

 

[Cape Brewing]

I think the are getting the $6k - $10k fron the same place I did... In the actual statute that discusses the Manufacturer's license and where it says, "no less than $6k and no more then $10k".

 

[Cape Brewing]

Chapter 138 section 19

"The license fee for each manufacturer of alcoholic beverages, in respect of each plant, shall be such sum, not less than $6,000 nor more than $10,000, as under the circumstances of the licensee’s probable volume of sales under this section, the capacity of his plant and the location thereof, the commission shall deem just and proper; provided, that the license fee for each manufacturer of cider or other alcoholic beverage made from apples shall be such sum, not less than twenty-five nor more than two hundred and fifty dollars, as the commission shall deem just and proper, but no such fee shall be collected from any such manufacturer for the making of cider, the sale of which is authorized by section three without a license."

 

[jsguitar]

Interesting about the 'Johny Appleseed' exemption for cider. Wonder why? Stupid question! These laws never make sense.

 

[the_bird]

Got a response back.

Hello ***...
Thank you for writing about this new ABCC requirement. I cosponsored a bill that would create a new craft brewers license in Massachusetts.

If I can assist your friend to start his business in the First Berkshire District or any where in Massachusetts please send him my contact information.
Gail

So, there you go, Cape. You need some help?

 

[Cape Brewing]

I was at a meeting on Saturday morning for start up breweries in the state and the Mass Brewers Guild was there. The MBG is meeting with State Treasurer Grossman this afternoon to talk through the whole thing and I'm pretty confident the MBG has everyone's best interests at heart (consumers, start-ups, all the way up to Boston Beer Co). Rumor has it that Grossman wants this all fixed ASAP and is very willing to get educated on the topic so we're all being asked to sit tight and see what comes of today's meeting.

We'll see.

 

[the_bird]

It's been interesting to see how quickly this all unfolded. Think the guy from ABCC has gotten yelled at by his superiors?

 

[j1laskey]

I was at the Cape Ann Brew Pub on Sunday...man I hope Grossman gets a chance to go there and have some wings and beer...he'll see this whole mess in a new light.

 

[kh54s10]

Agreed... Thats exactly why we are seriously looking at Rhode Island now. $500, can self distribute anywhere in the state, can have a huge tasting room if we want and sell right from the brewery.

Watch out in Rhode Island. The $500 license may be good but they'll get you in every other way possible. The local gov't is broke and they are looking at everything to raise revenue, taxes, fees, anything they can think of. There is almost 0 new business startup since I moved here in 1999. Most large businesses have downsized and many have left the state.

 

[the_bird]

Well, it seems pretty damn likely at this point that the MA politicians will get this fixed. C'mon, we're the state of Teddy Kennedy - of course they're going to do whatever they can to support booze manufacturing!

 

[Cape Brewing]

yeah, the speed with which this all went down was pretty amazing.

There probably isn't a way I can be UNbiased on the topic but Jeeeeeesus... whatta stupid decision on the part of the ABCC. These are supposed to be the folks who are tied to the "alcohol community" and for them to come out with what they did... it was insane.

The backlash has been pretty significant and I think it is an opportunity for a bunch of politicians to make some really easy positive press... "I am fighting for jobs in our state!!"

It is a no-brainer to fix and easy press for the politians who jump on board.

Like I was saying to my partners the other day... who the %&^$ is going to vote "no"???? The problem is getting it actually through in terms of the bureaucracy of the state govt.

 

[the_bird]

And, from Ben Downing's office...

Mr. ***,

Thank you for reaching out to Senator Ben Downing to register your concerns with the ABCC’s recent Advisory on Farmer-Brewer licenses. Please be assured that Senator Downing shares your concerns with the implications of this Advisory for craft brewers.

Since the Advisory was issued the Senator has reached out to Treasurer Grossman, who oversees the ABCC, to learn more about why this decision was made. The Treasurer is scheduled to meet with small brewing industry officials to hear their concerns with the ABCC’s Advisory. We are hopeful this conversation will provide us with more information and guidance on the matter.

However, as you may have read in recent Berkshire Eagle reports, the Senator is concerned that craft brewers will be negatively affected by this Advisory – especially craft brewers that operate in his district and is currently exploring legislative options. He has co-sponsored legislation filed by his colleague Senator Hedlund which would create a craft brewery license in Massachusetts allowing craft brewers, who do not meet the new ABCC requirements to keep their Farmer-Brewers license, to apply for a new license at the same price as a Farmer-Brewers license and continue to stay in business and produce up to 200,000 barrels of malt beverages per year. Additionally, the craft brewery license allows breweries to continue tastings, tours, and the ability to sell their product at their brewery. This proposal is currently numbered SD 2072 and titled An Act to Promote Craft Brewing in Massachusetts.

The Senators legislative aide is following this issue closely and the Senator is committed to making sure that small craft brewers are not negatively affected by the ABCC’s recent decisions.

Thank you again for reaching out to the Senator on this matter. I hope this information is helpful, please do not hesitate to contact Sen. Downing again if we can provide additional assistance.
Best,
Bethann
Bethann S. Steiner, Chief of Staff
Office of Senator Ben Downing
State House, Room 413-F, Boston, MA 02133
(617) 722-1625 | www.SenatorDowning.com

It's kind of nice to actually hear back from these folks.

 

[Cape Brewing]

Totally agree Bird... I haven't gotten squat back from Timilty. The bastid.

Hopefully they can get this all pushed through ASAP and I can go back to the important stuff like how I am going to get a floor drain put into the space we're lookin' at.

 

[Cape Brewing]

This is good news. It is what we were hoping would come ou of today.

http://www.bostonherald.com/business/general/view.bg?articleid=1357286&pos=breaking

 

[the_bird]

I got ANOTHER response from Ben Downing's office.

Senator Downing asked me to respond to your email regarding farmer-brewer licensure. After meeting with stakeholders, the ABCC has determined it will not move forward with its initial decision to require brewers to grow 50% of their brewing ingredients in the Commonwealth. Senator Downing continues to be in personal contact with the Treasurer’s office on this issue and he looks forward to working to ensure the viability of the growing economic engine of farmer-breweries.

Thank you for writing to register your concern on this issue; please do not hesitate to contact the office if we can provide any further information.

Sincerely,

Christopher Gilrein, Legislative/Budget Aide
Office of Senator Benjamin B. Downing
State House, Room 413F
Boston, MA 02133
Phone: (617) 722-1625
Fax: (617) 722-1523
www.senatordowning.com

Guess I know who I'm voting for!

 

[luke2080]

Good that they reversed it. Stupid if this doesn't bring about some change. Have a nano-license, a micro-license, and a larger micro-license. Then their manufacturer's license for BMC.

From the article sounds like there are still discussions, but this initial rollback allows the status quo to remain for now, which is good.

Cape - when you're ready to sell some of the first batch please let us know. Looking forward to buying and guzzling.

 

[Cape Brewing]

Much appreciated.

Only problem is we are already over capacity and we haven't signed a lease yet. We have standing orders from five or six bars for "whatever you guys make". It is really encouraging and a bit intimidating at the same time.

 

[Golddiggie]

I hope you guys are very successful in your brewing venture. It is nice knowing that there really IS a demand for quality brew out there. Even more so knowing that there are brewers willing to step up to the plate and make a go of it.

I raise my glass to you sir, and hope that you kick ass at every turn. :rockin:

 

[the_bird]

Much appreciated.

Only problem is we are already over capacity and we haven't signed a lease yet. We have standing orders from five or six bars for "whatever you guys make". It is really encouraging and a bit intimidating at the same time.

... I still think you've got to reconsider that name. Sorry, dude, it just makes me think of mud bogs or peat bogs and swampwater, which ain't appetizing. You shouldn't have to explain your name too everybody, anyway.

 

[Cape Brewing]

I hope you guys are very successful in your brewing venture. It is nice knowing that there really IS a demand for quality brew out there. Even more so knowing that there are brewers willing to step up to the plate and make a go of it.

I raise my glass to you sir, and hope that you kick ass at every turn. :rockin:

Damn, thanks. I think that's probably the nicest post I've ever seen on HBT. Thanks again.

 

[Cape Brewing]

... I still think you've got to reconsider that name. Sorry, dude, it just makes me think of mud bogs or peat bogs and swampwater, which ain't appetizing. You shouldn't have to explain your name too everybody, anyway.

Trust me Bird.. I've fought that fight a number of times with no luck. They like it, we are exactly 1/3rd partners and I got out-voted.

 

[TheDudeLebowski]

Congratulations Cape. I saw a piece on channel 5 news that described the stupidity of the license. I sent a letter off to my representative and never got a reply. Good to hear it got X'd. Good luck on your venture. I'll be looking for it... which reminds me to buy stock in Starsan.