Alabama Senate Approves Home Brewing Bill, Awaiting Governor’s Signature

From South Union St:

Alabama will become the last state to approve home brewing if Gov. Robert Bentley signs a law passed Tuesday night by the Alabama Senate. The Senate approved the bill 18-7 with one abstention.  Sen. Bill Holtzclaw, R-Madison, said the bill is about rights and about economic development. He said many of the craft brewers in the state started brewing at home so it is an important step to help that industry.

And it’s not too late to tell the Governor what you want….

Update form the American Homebrewers Association: 

Boulder, CO  • May 8, 2013/mbb/ – 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 49^th 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.

And if you are Making Moonshine, here are some essential safety tips to remember.     

Making Moonshine? Essential Safety Tips to Remember from MileHighDistilling.com/
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