Washington State Beer Commission

WHO WE ARE The Washington Beer Commission was ratified by the Washington State Legislature on September 6, 2006 as an Agricultural Commodity Commission, becoming the first commodity commission for craft beer in the U.S.Through RCW 15.89 the state granted the commission the opportunity to produce up to 12 beer tasting festivals per year and to use the proceeds to promote and market Washington’s craft breweries. An assessment of ten cents per barrel produced by each brewery (with a cap assessment of $1,000) was also a part of the legislation. Washington state now boasts 420+ breweries and is still the only state in the nation with a beer commission. MISSION To promote Washington beer, benefit the state’s breweries, and increase awareness and demand. VISION To be universally recognized as the preferred choice of beer drinkers everywhere, respected for quality and innovation. OUR IMPACT The brewing industry in Washington contributes significantly tothe economic vitality of our state. According to the Beer Institute, the direct economic impact, when coupled with the revenue generated by way of distributors and retailers, totaled in excess of $6 billion in 2014. Business and personal tax revenue in the same year topped $860 million. In addition, over $225 million were paid in federal, state, and local consumption taxes as a result of beer industry-related transactions in Washington. (source: Beer Institute) Washington’s breweries, many of them small and family owned, are integral parts of their local communities. When you choose to buy beer brewed in Washington, you support businesses that provide local jobs and contribute to the state’s tax base. Many of these breweries are also generous contributors to charitable organizations supporting a host of worthy causes statewide.