For those beer drinkers out there, let’s not get too worked up over the title. There is plenty of room for consumers of all brands and beverages here at PubGPS! However, the sale of spiked seltzers has been soaring in the United States. In the fall of 2019, sales grew by 73% at bars and restaurants, and is projected to continue growing at 66% per year. This leaves me wondering about beer…do people actually like the taste of beer, or has it just been around so long that you learn to like it? When you’re, ahem, 21 years old and not a day sooner, does that first sip really live up to the hype? Did Sam Adams help us escape taxation back in 1770’s only to be remembered as a name on the side of a beverage everyone had to learn to like?
Agree or disagree, this is often how it goes with the status quo. If around for long enough, it becomes the norm, and when it becomes the norm it slowly starts to rise above question. As we enter prime time election season, there are sure to be many polarizing topics introduced, marched up on stage and debated with enough vigor to keep you on the channel or click the next link. These are the topics of today, and deserving of no less than our full attention. As we watch though, I am here to give a gentle reminder that many of the most important and fundamental policies in need of change, are the ones that have been around long enough to become the norm. The norm that I have been swallowing for a long time, but never seem to have gotten the taste for is taxes. These would include, but not limited to, state income, federal income, property, school and sales tax. They’ve been around a long time, but does anyone really like them? Is there a hard seltzer version of the IRS Form 1040 I can try please?
If Sam Adams arose today, he may be tickled with the taste of his beer, but I doubt he would be too happy with all the taxes he has to pay before he gets to take a sip.
Happy Friday! Stay healthy and please be safe!