Brew and Grow - HB 6229

Brew and Grow has stopped serving samples of beer due to the bill HB 6229. Does anyone know anything about this bill? It doesn't seem to ban samples to me. Maybe it's just a cop out?

yeah, i noticed last time i was in there the board with their brews was down...i was in a rush, so didn't bother to even ask for a sample that time, but this explains it. i'll have to check up on that bill

sounds like they can't make the beer on the premises? i would think if the employees received free grain/yeast/hops, and brewed in their own house, that they would be able to sample still.

i wonder if they'll still brew there? questions i'll keep in mind next time i'm in.

for anyone who doesn't want to look it up:

Synopsis As Introduced
Amends the Liquor Control Act of 1934. Defines "homemade beer" to mean a beer that was made by a person 21 years of age or older through his or her own efforts, at his or her place of residence, and not for a commercial purpose, but for consumption by that person or his or her family and guests or for use at an exhibition, demonstration, judging, tasting, sampling, contest, or competition authorized by the Act. Provides that the making of homemade beer does not require a license or permit under the Act if all of these apply: the brewer receives no compensation; the homemade beer is not sold or offered for sale; and the total quantity of homemade beer made, in a calendar year, by the person does not exceed 100 gallons if the household has only one person of legal drinking age or 200 gallons if the household has 2 or more persons of legal drinking age. Provides that homemade beer made in compliance with the Act may be used for purposes of an exhibition, demonstration, judging, tasting, sampling, contest, or competition, if the event is held at a private residence or on a licensed premises. Provides that an event held on a licensed premises by a licensee may require an admission charge, but no separate or additional fee may be charged for the consumption of homemade beer at the event. Provides that event admission charges may be partially used to provide prizes, but may not be divided in any fashion among the makers of the homemade beer who participate in the event. Provides that no admission fee and no charge for the consumption of homemade beer may be charged if the event is held at a private residence. Provides that the fact that a person is acting in a manner authorized under the Act is not, by itself, sufficient to constitute a public nuisance under the Act. Provides that if an authorized event is held on licensed premises, the licensee may allow the homemade beer to be stored on the premises if it is identified and kept separate from any other alcohol beverages. Provides that if an authorized event is held on licensed premises, other provisions of the Act, not inconsistent with the homemade beer provisions, apply. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

To provide samples in any place other than a private home requires a license and a fee charged for sampling. Lots of money is at stake here, but I think it's more than just a political money grab. My gut is that language was thrown in there to appease those who fear unregulated alcohol consumption - by requiring a license & a fee, regulators have a basis to control who produces & consumes alcohol.

The implications for that interpretation (and enforcement) are, obviously, huge.

Time for me to do some more reading.