Yuengling sued over $6.6 million owed to Philadelphia in back taxes

(Pottsville) -- The City of Philadelphia says the company that makes Yuengling beer owes $6.6 million in back taxes.

The city filed a lawsuit in the Court of Common Pleas on January 30, saying Pottsville-based D.G. Yuengling & Son Inc. has failed to pay business-related taxes, fees and penalties since December 2008.

Yuengling's chief operating officer, David A. Casinelli, says he believes it has to do with a dispute the brewery has had with the city over the business privilege tax. The company sells its products in the Philadelphia area through an independent distributor.

A spokesman for Mayor Michael Nutter declined comment.

In recent months, the cash-strapped city has been cracking down on unpaid taxes in an attempt to generate more revenue.