Hurray, Beer!

The Lege has passed out of the committee a bill that would allow small breweries to sell up to two cases of beer to people who come by the brewery--a similar measure died in committee last session.  Despite the fact that this wouldn't take much of a bite out of their profits, the beer distributors have consistently opposed this bill.  It still faces a stiff fight to get passed, Texas Breweries Go Closer to Selling Beer On-site:

A bill that would allow small brewers in Texas to provide a limited amount of beer directly to the public passed its first major hurdle Tuesday afternoon when a House committee approved sending it out for broader consideration.

The measure, introduced by a Houston legislator, would affect the local Saint Arnold Brewing Co. and other beermakers that produce fewer than 250,000 barrels each year. If the bill becomes law, people who tour the breweries could elect to take up to two cases of beer home with them.

Update:  Dan Keeney points out that the bill's next step is the Calendering Committee, which is in charge of the schedule for when bills are considered.  If you care about this issue and delicious, locally brewed beer follow the link Dan includes and let the committee know how you feel.

Comments

[Dan Keeney]

The deck is stacked against small breweries in Texas and, even though this bill is a small change, it would have a big impact on making it possible to profitably operate a craft brewery.

The bill now goes to the Calendars Committee, which is in charge of scheduling bills for consideration by the full House. Here is a link showing the members of the Calendars Committee with links to contact information for each. Every one of these committee members needs to know that their constituents support HB 2094 and demand that it be scheduled for consideration by the House.

http://www.legis.state.tx.us/Committees/MembershipCmte.aspx?LegSess=81R&CmteCode=C050

Disclosure: I help Saint Arnold Brewing with PR.

[g.]

Thanks Dan! I normally help Real Ale Brewing Co. by drinking their fine product but have been known to support Good St. Arnold as well.