Homebrewers fight the Power!
Another state gets hip!
I just received news directly from the American Homebrewers Association (AHA) that Mississippi has become the 49th state to legalize homebrewing. Below is their official press release. (Thanks, Nick!). Trust me, this is a big deal because it only increases the numbers of fine, aspiring brewmasters out there and helps Mississippi residents particularly further explore the seemingly countless flavors ales and lagers can bless their palates with by homebrewing experimentation. A special shout out goes to Gary Glass, the director of the AHA, the entire organization, and everyone else who made it possible.
There are a lot more laws we need to fight nationwide, but Mississippi's progress demonstrates that beer lovers and freedom fighters overall are making some serious progress!
Cheers,
Ale
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Mississippi Passes Bill to Legalize Homebrewing
The American Homebrewers Association (AHA) is pleased to announce that Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant has signed a bill that will effectively legalize homebrewing throughout the state. Mississippi is now the 49th state to permit homebrewing. A Senate version of the bill passed in early February and it was then voted on by the State House of Representatives in March.
“From our founding fathers to our current President, this country has a long and storied tradition of homebrewing,” said Gary Glass, director of the American Homebrewers Association. “We appreciate the support of all of the homebrewers, the dedicated grassroots efforts of Raise Your Pints and the legislators who have worked so diligently to make homebrewing a reality in Mississippi. We are grateful to Senator John Horhn who introduced this bill and to Governor Bryant for his quick action and support.”
The 21st Amendment predominantly leaves regulation of alcohol to the states. Therefore, even though homebrewing is federally legal, it is still up to individual states to legalize homebrewing in state codes. Prior to today’s announcement, Mississippi and Alabama were the only two states that did not allow homebrewing. The AHA will continue working with homebrewers in Alabama to legalize homebrewing.
The hobby of homebrewing has seen exponential growth in recent years. The AHA estimates that more than 1 million Americans brew beer or make wine at home at least once a year. Mississippi is home to an estimated 2,200 homebrewers who may now enjoy brewing without the restrictions of a state-wide ban.
From left to right: Gary Glass, Director of American Homebrewers Association; Senator John Hohrn;Craig Hendry, President of Raise Your Pints
About the American Homebrewers Association (AHA)
The American Homebrewers Association has worked on behalf of the homebrewing community since 1978 and celebrates a membership of more than 36,000 homebrewers. The American Homebrewers Association (AHA) organizes events including the National Homebrewers Conference and National Homebrew Competition. The AHA also publishes Zymurgy magazine. The AHA is part of the Brewers Association, whose Brewers Publications division is the largest publisher of contemporary and relevant brewing literature for today's craft brewers and homebrewers.
Beer lovers are invited to learn more about the dynamic world of craft beer at CraftBeer.com. Follow the AHA on Twitter, and join us on Facebook.
Let's keep it up!!!
