The craft spirits industry in Michigan could get a boost under a proposal in the state house.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Pat Outman (R-MI), would lower the liquor tax for craft distilleries.
It would cut the state mark up for each bottle of spirits produced if the distillery produces less than 60,000 gallons a year and uses at least 40% Michigan-based ingredients.
Outman was interested in reintroducing the bill after he saw the effects of a tax cut for Michigan breweries, he said.
“We’ve kind of provided similar incentive to the craft brewing industry quite a few years back, and it really took off," he said. "Now, we have just a thriving craft brewery industry here in the state of Michigan.”
Outman hopes the bill will also provide a boost to a "niche market in the ag industry" in Michigan, he said.
He's optimistic that the Governor will sign the bill into law as soon as next week, he said.