HDA To Return to Washington in February

Captain of the Hobby Distiller’s Association (HDA), Rick Morris will return to Washington, D.C. in February to join lobbyist Keith Nelson for a meeting with the Assistant Secretary of Tax Policy at the Department of the Treasury. The meeting will occur on February 12 at 11:00 AM. Rick and Keith are planning to go over the HDA’s proposed Bill for the legalization of hobby distilling and address any concerns that Treasury may have.

Communication with Treasury is important because the legalization of hobby distilling (just like when hobby brewing and wine-making were legalized) is actually a tax issue. For example, there may be concern that legalizing home distilling could open the doors to those who would illegally sell untaxed liquor. This is why illegal sales hurt the hobbyist who enjoys the process of distilling at home for personal consumption. The HDA identifies a clear distinction between the hobbyist and those who illegally sell their distilled product. Rick and Keith are looking forward to speaking with Treasury next month to find out if they have any concerns and if so, what the HDA can do to address them.