Kombucha Brewers International (KBI) are calling for legislation to stabilize the kombucha industry and protect brewers. The KOMBUCHA Act (Keeping Our Manufacturers from Being Unfairly taxed while Championing Health Act), raising the level at which kombucha brewers will be subject to the regulations imposed on alcoholic beverages in the United States from 0.5% to 1.25%, has been introduced in Congress.

Increasing the alcohol allowance will make it easier for all brewers to deliver the benefits of authentic, living kombucha to everyone. Kombucha would still have to meet the health and safety requirements generally applicable to nonalcoholic beverages as well as certain beverage alcohol labeling requirements. 

Sign the petition

KBI invite any US-based kombucha brewer and all US kombucha lovers to click the link on their lobbying page and sign a petition to ask your local Congressperson and Senator to support the KOMBUCHA Act. It only takes a couple of minutes and your message will let leadership know that as a consumer, you want access to traditionally fermented, raw and unpasteurized kombucha. 

KBI have been trying to get the legislation passed since 2017. The petition will demonstrate consumer support for the bill.

Bipartisan support

Three key legislators support the KOMBUCHA Act. Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) continues as Ranking Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee’s Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures for the 117th Congress. Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR). Congressman Blumenauer is a senior member of the Ways and Means Committee, the tax-writing committee in the House. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) is the new Chairman of the powerful Senate Finance Committee, which among other things considers all tax legislation.

“The growth of kombucha production in our state and throughout the country creates jobs and a tasty beverage. This legislation would update taxes and regulations so these small businesses can continue to build on their achievements creating good jobs and good flavor for kombucha’s many fans.”

– Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) Original Sponsor of the KOMBUCHA Act. 2016-2021

“It’s important that our tax code evolve[s] to address its unintended consequences on emerging industries, and its effect on kombucha manufacturers is an example of why Congress must act to amend it. This bipartisan legislation is a commonsense fix that will provide regulatory and tax relief to small businesses in Colorado and throughout this country so that they can continue to create good-paying jobs.” 

– Sen. Cory Gardner (R-CO) Original Sponsor of the KOMBUCHA Act. 2016.

Podcast

I asked KBI President Hannah Crum for an update on the progress of the KOMBUCHA Act. To hear what she told me click on the podcast.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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