Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Alabama Senate Passes Bill to Legalize Homebrewing!



Finally! All 50 states have legalized homebrewing!

Last month, I was happy to announce that Mississippi became the 49th state to legalize homebrewing here, and post an in-depth interview with the director of the American Homebrewers Association, Gary Glass, here. This month, it’s Alabama’s turn!
This is a happy day for the ongoing fight for independence in the world of brewing.  Congrats go to everyone who was a part of the movement including the American Homebrewers Association, the Right to Brew grassroots team, legislators, Representative Mac McCutcheon, and Senator Bill Holtzclaw. As soon as we get Governor Robert J. Bentley's autograph on the bill, it's on! Below is the official press release.
Oh, and there has been the launch of another site based on sharing homebrew recipes today as well! It's called The Brewer's Barrel here
Let’s continue to fight the power one brew at a time.
Cheers!
Ale


 Alabama Senate Passes Bill to Legalize Homebrewing

Boulder, CO • May 8, 2013 – The American Homebrewers Association (AHA) is pleased to announce the Alabama legislature has passed a bill that, once signed by Governor Robert J. Bentley,  will effectively legalize homebrewing throughout the state. Alabama will be the last state in the nation to legalize homebrewing.

"Homebrewing has been an integral part of the history of America, so it’s thrilling to know that soon all 50 states will support this growing hobby and long-standing tradition," said Gary Glass, director, American Homebrewers Association. "We appreciate the backing of all of the homebrewers, the dedicated grassroots efforts of Right to Brew and the legislators who have worked so diligently to make homebrewing a reality in Alabama. We are especially grateful to Representative Mac McCutcheon who introduced this bill and has fought long and hard for its passage, along with Senator Bill Holtzclaw."

Alabama is the last state holding out against legalizing homebrewing. In March 2013, Mississippi became the 49th state to pass homebrew legislation. The AHA has been working with Right to Brew for five years in order to get the Alabama bill passed.

Homebrewing became federally legal in 1979, though the 21st Amendment predominantly leaves regulation of alcohol to the states. Therefore, even though homebrewing is federally legal, it is up to individual states to legalize homebrewing in state codes. Once the Alabama bill is signed by Gov. Bentley, it will be the first time since pre-Prohibition days that homebrewers in all the states can legally brew at home.

The hobby of homebrewing has seen exponential growth in recent years. The AHA estimates that more than one million Americans brew beer or make wine at home at least once a year. Alabama is home to an estimated 5,000 homebrewers who will soon enjoy brewing without the restrictions of a state-wide ban.

About the American Homebrewers Association:
The American Homebrewers Association has worked on behalf of the homebrewing community since 1978 and celebrates a membership of more than 37,000 homebrewers. The American Homebrewers Association (AHA) organizes events including the National Homebrewers Conference andNational 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 and anyone interested in making their own homemade beer are invited to learn more at HomebrewersAssociation.org. Follow the AHA onTwitter, and join us on Facebook.

The Brewers Association is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital/familial status. The BA complies with provisions of Executive Order 11246 and the rules, regulations, and relevant orders of the Secretary of Labor.

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