Advocacy Bulletins

Brewpubs, Tax Breaks and a Taste of GA

06 Feb 2012 5:58 PM | Kelly Hornbuckle (Administrator)
Taste of Georgia Time!

It's all hands on deck here at the GRA as we prepare for our biggest event yet - the 4th Annual Taste of Georgia Legislative Reception in partnership with the 2012 Hospitality Career Expo. Over 100 exhibitors and restaurants will provide a taste of our industry to legislators and decision-makers from across our great state. We'll be joined by special guest Rosalyn "Roz" Mallet, Chair of the Board of Directors for the National Restaurant Association. Plus, we're launching the new Georgia Grown Executive Chef Program. It's not too late to register - and did we mention it's free? So come to nosh, network and stand with us as we support our industry.


Bill Tracking

On the Front-Burner:

HB 472: Brewpub distribution system; maximum barrels of beer manufactured and sold; increase
Status: House Withdrawn, Recommitted
Notes: We attended a committee hearing this week in support of this bill (originally introduced last legislative session). It would increase the amount of beer a brewpub can produce annually on-premise to 10,000 barrels (currently 5,000 barrels) for retail sale, and to licensed distributors. 

The bill has been sent back to committee for the following revisions: 
- Language will be adjusted to account for the 50/50 percentage food and alcohol requirement.
- Bill title will be changed
 
Also, we would like to welcome our newest brewpub member: 5 Seasons Brewing Company!

House Bills:

HB 683: Garnishment proceedings; filing of certain answers may be done by authorized officers or employees; provisions
Status: Senate Passed/Adopted
Notes: A victory for restaurants, this is something we fought for. It was approved unanimously by the Senate and we are confident Governor Deal will sign this into law this session. 

HB 713: Quality Basic Education Act; career and college readiness initiatives; delay implementation
Status: Senate Read and Referred

HB 462: Coin operated amusement machines; limit on number allowed at location; exception
Status: Senate Recommitted

HB 668: Human Services, Department of; drug test administered to applicants for temporary assistance; create
Status: House Second Readers

HB 681: Food sales and service establishments; revise definitions; exempt certain activities
Status: House Committee Favorably Reported

HB 703: Sales and use taxes; change certain definitions
Status: House Second Readers

HB 704: Sales and use taxes; change certain definitions
Status: House Second Readers

Senate Bills:

SB 292: Social Responsibility and Accountability Act; enact; drug test; temporary assistance for needy families/Medicaid benefits; requirements
Status: Senate Read & Referred

SB 294: Dignity for the Unemployed Act; require volunteer service hours; nonprofit organization;applicants for unemployment benefits
Status: Senate Read & Referred

SB 300: Food Standards; to require proper labeling of bottles containing sugar cane or sorghum syrup
Status: House Second Readers

SR 693: Declaring February 9, 2012, as State Restaurant Day at the state capitol and commending the food service industry of Georgia; and for other purposes.
Status: Senate Read and Adopted
Notes: Mark your calendar for 2/9/12 - State Restaurant Day at the Georgia Capitol!
Pressing Congress to Renew Expired Tax Breaks

As Congress begins to debate whether to extend a payroll-tax cut for American employees beyond Feb. 29, the National Restaurant Association is encouraging Congress to act swiftly to extend two other tax provisions important to restaurants: a 15-year restaurant depreciation schedule and the Work Opportunity Tax Credit.

Congress let both tax provisions expire at the end of 2011. The NRA has mounted a widescale campaign to tell Congress why it's so important to provide tax certainty to restaurateurs, in order to spur businesses to put money back into their operations and create more jobs. The NRA submittedtestimony on this issue to the Senate Finance Committee last week and this week sends a letter to every member of Congress to encourage immediate action on the WOTC and depreciation, asking lawmakers to extend the benefits retroactively to Jan. 1.

Reminder: Help Cut Regulatory Red Tape

Now's your chance - we want to hear about the regulatory challenges you face. To share your thoughts, please contact Katie Jones at katie@garestaurants.org. Also, visit the office Red Tape Watch Website to provide direct input to the Small Business Development & Job Creation Committee.

Fun Fact

Did you know that the Georgia General Assembly has operated continuously since 1777? 
 

 

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