Tag Archives: brewery modernization act

Alabama craft brewers talk about Brewery Modernization

We’re still waiting to see if Governor Bentley will be signing the Beer Modernization Act passed last week in Montgomery before the end of the legislative session on Thursday. One group tremendously interested in his decision are those currently operating  craft breweries in the state – and we got a chance to talk to a few of them at Magic City Brewfest last weekend.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QE27WEsUZE?hd=1&w=640]

Free the Hops is continuing to ask people to contact the Governor’s office to voice their wanting him to sign it into law. We’ll let you know what happens.

Brewery Modernization Act passes Alabama State House

Free The Hops tulip glassBoth of Birmingham, AL’s microbreweries hope to soon enjoy the opportunity to serve their beer on their premises. The Brewery Modernization Act, supported by Free the Hops, passed the Alabama State House of Representatives earlier this evening in Montgomery.

If the State Senate concurs with the substitution made to the bill this evening during their session tomorrow, it will go to Governor Bentley’s desk in Montgomery for his signature.

It had been endorsed by the Alabama Brewers Guild, but also the Alabama Restaurants Association and the Alabama Hospitality Association.

The bill would allow for existing breweries to add tap rooms. It would also make it easier for brewpubs to open in the state, providing opportunities for additional jobs. As reported earlier this month in The Birmingham News, concessions were made to allow for passage that doesn’t necessarily sit well with all parties.

Both of the existing breweries in metro Birmingham, Good People Brewing Co. and Avondale Brewing Co., have the capabilities to be modified to allow for serving beer on their premises.