Don't Blame Beer Drinkers!

Sit at any bar in the U.S. (and perhaps around the world) and you're likely to hear conversations about relationships, politics, religion, and more recently the economy.

Here's a little economy and beer news: The Beer Industry Contributes Nearly $200 Billion to U.S. Economy!

WASHINGTON, /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --

A new economic impact study shows America's beer industry, made up of brewers, beer importers, beer distributors, brewer suppliers and retailers, directly and indirectly contributes more than $198 billion annually to the U.S. economy. The study, commissioned by the Beer Institute and the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA), also shows that the industry provides nearly 1.9 million jobs -- generating nearly $62 billion in wages and benefits. The industry also paid $41 billion in business, personal and consumption taxes in 2008.

According to the study, the beer industry directly employs more than one million people, paying $28 billion in wages. Beer sales help support roughly 888,000 retail jobs, including those at supermarkets, convenience stores, restaurants, bars, stadiums, and other outlets and generate more than $25 billion in economic activity in agriculture and manufacturing sectors.

"These numbers demonstrate that our industry is essential to several sectors of the U.S. economy, particularly as the nation struggles to regain its footing in this uncertain climate," said Jeff Becker, president of the Beer Institute. "For this reason, it is important that state and federal officials consider equitable tax policies that do not unduly harm an industry that provides so many domestic jobs and so much economic growth."

So, there you have it good Sirs and Ladies -- drink up and continue to stimulate the U.S. Economy.

Sir Bowie "planning to help tonight" of Greenbriar