SUSPENSION OF OCCUPATIONAL TAXES RELATING TO DISTILLED SPIRITS, WINE, AND BEER.

SEC. 246. SUSPENSION OF OCCUPATIONAL TAXES RELATING TO DISTILLED SPIRITS, WINE, AND BEER.(a) In General.—Subpart G of part II of subchapter A of chapter 51 is amended by redesignating section 5148 as section 5149 and by inserting after section 5147 the following new section:“SEC. 5148. SUSPENSION OF OCCUPATIONAL TAX.“(a) In General.—Notwithstanding sections 5081, 5091, 5111, 5121, and 5131, the rate of tax imposed under such sections for the suspension period shall be zero. During such period, persons engaged in or carrying on a trade or business covered by such sections shall register under section 5141 and shall comply with the recordkeeping requirements under this part. “(b) Suspension Period.—For purposes of subsection (a), the suspension period is the period beginning on July 1, 2005, and ending on June 30, 2008.” .(b) Conforming Amendment.—Section 5117 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:“(d) Special Rule During Suspension Period.—Except as provided in subsection (b) or by the Secretary, during the suspension period (as defined in section 5148) it shall be unlawful for any dealer to purchase distilled spirits for resale from any person other than a wholesale dealer in liquors who is required to keep records under section 5114.”.118 STAT. 1449(c) Clerical Amendment.—The table of sections for subpart G of part II of subchapter A of chapter 51 is amended by striking the last item and inserting the following new items: “Sec. 5148. Suspension of occupational tax. “Sec. 5149. Cross references.”. (d) Effective Date.—The amendments made by this section shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act.