KOMBUCHA

This bill proposes to exempt low alcohol by volume kombucha from federal excise taxes and regulations typically applied to alcoholic beverages under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. It specifically amends sections related to wine and beer taxation to ensure that kombucha containing not more than 1.25 percent alcohol by volume is not subject to these taxes or associated regulatory provisions.

The legislation defines "low alcohol by volume kombucha" as a beverage fermented solely by a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast, sold as kombucha, and derived from fermentable sugars and plant materials such as tea or coffee. This exemption aims to alleviate the tax burden and regulatory complexities for manufacturers producing this specific type of beverage. The amendments are set to apply to calendar quarters beginning after the date of the bill's enactment.