Tax Breaks for Beer Busted

Bad news if you like to raise a few locally-made beers with friends at the local watering hole.

A pair of tax exemptions for local craft breweries has been found to be unconstitutional by a state court, according to a report in the New York Post. For breweries themselves, the ruling means thousands of dollars more in yearly costs. For fans of locally-crafted ales, lagers and other beer styles it can mean up to another dollar or so per pint.

According to the report, the ruling is the result of a complaint brought by Shelton Brothers, a beer importer based in Belchertown, Mass. In the suit, they claimed the lower prices New Yorkers paid compared to out-of-staters was unfair, and the court sided with them.

As a result New York-based beer makers must pay 14 more cents for every gallon of suds they sell in the state, and 12 more cents for every gallon sold in the city, effective immediately.

Businesses will likely offset the cost by raising prices for consumers. At least one Bayside bar tender doesn't see an issue.

"I'm sure some people will be unhappy about the increase, but I don't think it'll stop them from ordering another beer," said Daniela Rizzo, who was manning the bar at .