President Trump’s tax bill to help small Pueblo breweries

Shamrock Brewing Company has been brewing some of Pueblo’s favorite beer since 2005.

Now, thanks to the new tax plan passed by Congress small breweries like Shamrock will be saving money.

“Anytime we get, whether it’s $500 or $5,000, it reduces our burden in taxes, it enables us to do things and put that money back into the business,” said Shamrock President Shawn Sanborn.

Although the new tax bill was controversial when it passed, part of the plan is benefiting small breweries.

The federal excise tax on barrels of beer was $7; now it is being reduced to $3.50, allowing Sanborn to help expand his business.

“We’ll go from producing anywhere from 600 to 800 barrels a year up to about 2,500 barrels a year,” Sanborn said.

The tax cut not only helps the business but the community as a whole, he said.

“Not only with hiring more employees here but then the people that distribute the beer, even the retailers. It all has an effect,” Sanborn said.

Eventually, the tax will change and the price will go back up.

“By having that money put in the business, no matter how small or how great it is, it just enables us to grow, have more employees and put more money back into the community,” Sanborn said.

But until then, small brewers will savor this tax break until the last drop.

A national trade organization for the beer industry is estimating the tax relief could create $320 million in economic growth for the industry.