New Law Would Increase Brewery Taxes by 750%

A bill proposed in Santa Fe aims to increase taxes on some New Mexico breweries by over 750%.

According to the New Mexico Brewers Guild, SB 314 would increase excise taxes per gallon of beer produced from 41 cents to $3.08.

According to the Brewers Guild, if SB 314 becomes law:

  • Santa Fe Brewing’s annual excise tax would go from $50,000 to more than $1,000,000.
  • New Mexico’s beer excise tax would be the highest in the nation.
  • New Mexico would say to current and prospective breweries: “Do not grow, do not invest in New Mexico, do not create new jobs.”

The new tax would apply to breweries that produce more than 15,000 barrels per year, and to all cider producers.

Higher excise taxes could result in higher prices for consumers, and limit the growth of New Mexico breweries.

The bill is sponsored by Senator Cisco McSorley of Albuquerque.

The small brewery coming to Truth or Consequences would be affected if their production were to exceed 15,000 barrels in a year.

Sierra County citizens interested in commenting on the proposal on should contact their elected officials: