LaHood Reintroduces Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Support Local Businesses, Restaurants, and Bars
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) reintroduced the Creating Hospitality Economic Enhancement for Restaurants and Servers (CHEERS) Act, alongside Representatives Steven Horsford (NV-04), Claudia Tenney (NY-24), and Suzan DelBene (WA-01), and Senators Tim Sheehy (R-MT) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH). This bipartisan, bicameral legislation will support many local businesses across our communities.
“Local restaurants, taprooms, and bars are an essential part of our economy across Illinois’ 16th Congressional District,” said Rep. LaHood. “I am proud to reintroduce the bipartisan, bicameral CHEERS Act to provide much-needed relief to our local businesses and encourage continued investment in our communities. This bill will revitalize the hospitality industry, support local jobs, generate economic growth, and promote the use of sustainable tap equipment in bars and restaurants.”
“In Las Vegas, hospitality means more than good times – it means good jobs,” Rep. Horsford said. “The CHEERS Act would boost job opportunities at all levels, from small bars and clubs to major casinos, hotels and arenas. The tax incentives in it would help employers invest in their most important asset – their people. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan proposal with Rep. LaHood again in the 119th Congress, and will continue to partner with him to boost jobs in Nevada and across the United States.”
"Local bars and restaurants are the heart of our Main Street economy,” said Rep. Tenney. “The Creating Hospitality Economic Enhancement for Restaurants and Servers Act will strengthen these businesses by providing incentives to expand tap lines and keg equipment on commercial properties, supporting growth in our local hospitality and brewing industries."
“The CHEERS Act offers a bipartisan solution to help small brewers in Washington and across the country invest in energy-efficient draft systems, reduce waste and create more jobs,” said Rep. DelBene. “By expanding these tax incentives, this legislation supports both economic recovery and environmental responsibility. This will deliver real benefits to small businesses in Washington.”
“Reducing the tax burden on small businesses is a commonsense policy that helps deliver on the promise to put Main Street businesses and workers first. I’m proud to lead the CHEERS Act to support small businesses nationwide as they invest in growing their operations, creating jobs, boosting local economies and strengthening communities,” said Senator Tim Sheehy.
“Too many local bars and restaurants are facing rising costs,” said Senator Hassan. “This bipartisan legislation gives small businesses in the hospitality industry a tax cut to install energy efficient draft beer systems, which not only helps customers enjoy a drink but also helps reduce costs for restaurants and bars.”
Background:
- Since 2005, the tax code has allowed for the deduction for qualifying investments in energy-efficient systems on commercial property under Section 179D.
- The CHEERS Act would expand the code section to apply to new keg, tap, and draft line property on commercial property in bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
- As many local and small businesses continue to recover from the effects of the pandemic, the CHEERS Act incentivizes the use of sustainable draft containers and installation property, providing relief to small businesses who need it most.
A link to the legislation can be found HERE.
Hospitality groups and industry stakeholders applauded the bipartisan legislation upon introduction, including:
- Beer Institute
- National Restaurant Association
- National Beer Wholesalers Association
- Brewers Association
- American Beverage Licensees
- Steel Keg Association
- American Cider Association
- International Franchise Association
- Independent Restaurant Coalition
- BeerBoard
A link to their comments on the bill can be found HERE.
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