How do homebrew busts go down in MS and AL

[spiny_norman]

Wow, I realize this video is almost 20 years old, but that is pucky, just plain cop ignorance. I live in a very upity neighborhood, and I''m not upity. I do have good relations w/ my neighbors and have had conversations w/ the immediate ones about me brewing beer and I'm not a meth head. Still, last week brew day, middle of the day, TEN, yes TEN cops swarm my house. guns drawn, me, SWMBO, and 3 buddies hit the deck. Needless to say they were all agro, freakin out and yelling. With the track record of P-town area cops lately, I thought I was gonna get a bullet in the head. After some tense moments they cuffed me, stood me up, then started asking questions while cops are picking up all my equipment. They look at my wort chiller and ask "what the hell is this?" they go through my whole garage and house...illegally. I'm trying to explain "it's just beer, sir" I get the "ya right, tell us what you're really doing" I said "look I'll show you, it's time for a hop addition" I grab the bowl of hops, cop grabs me, smells, "that's marijuana" I'm like "no sir, hops" I get "I'm a police officer, I know what marijuana smells like (it was cascade)" Some more tense moments, I explain that I'm within my legal right, they have no real probable cause and that they need to get the hell off my property. They leave in a huff, neighbors are all out checking the scene out....embarressing to say the least! they sat across the street from my house for the next 2 hours spying on us. I have filed a complaint w/ the police department and am not putting up w/ BS.

Interesting. I'm not an attorney, but you might want to have some dialog with one. If it was me I'd be spitting blood and seeking punitive damages for the distress--notwithstanding their obligation to adhere to the law (civil liberties, etc.) and any cause for concurrent legal address.

 

[Jughead]

Interesting. I'm not an attorney, but you might want to have some dialog with one. If it was me I'd be spitting blood and seeking punitive damages for the distress--notwithstanding their obligation to adhere to the law (civil liberties, etc.) and any cause for concurrent legal address.

I'm all for sticking it to the man, but I think it will be much more trouble than it's worth. I expect no more problems from them, I'll end it there, but a part of me really wants to do something about it. The beer I was brewing that day is looking pretty good, maybe I'll drop a sixer off at the police station with a nice "pig porter" label on it. haha

 

[ArtVandelay]

Guilty until proven innocent right?

 

[Jughead]

That's right, land of greed, home of the slaves. Nice surname BTW, you're an architect right?

 

[velosim]

I'm all for sticking it to the man, but I think it will be much more trouble than it's worth...maybe I'll drop a sixer off at the police station with a nice "pig porter" label on it. haha

I would tend to agree with you. I'm an attorney, but not of the civil rights kind so couldn't help you with any actual claims you might have, but I suspect your case wouldn't get very far. The police are generally give pretty wide latitude in conducting their job and since no one was physically injured and no damage to property it would probably not be very worth it to you to pursue any sort of claim. Yes, their search could have been totally unconstitutional (so that if they found anything in your house it might not be admissible) but I suspect the grief the cops/neighbors would give you if you tried to pursue anything would be pretty unbearable.

You are still totally justified in being completely pissed off at the cops and whomever it was that called in the 10-man SWAT team on you. Sounds like completely unnecessary behavior.

 

[Jughead]

Thanks for the input, I was thinking along the same thing you expressed. My buddy is a USC law school grad, I gave him a call and he said let it slide. Stuff like this happens a hundred times a day in the US. I can roll on, so another disapointing thing learned from our system.

 

[ndsgr]

I'm old. I couldn't tell you what meth looks like. I'm a stamp collector.

Quoted because it made me laugh.

Jughead- Time for my unsolicited advise. I would attempt to make friends with the cops. Yes, they did you wrong. Yes, they were breaching the law. Is that really going to go well with you? Invite the officers over for a beer and or pizza. Have commercial stuff available, so they don't think you spit it in or something. Offer homebrew afterward. I have had problems with neighbors that seem to work out after a neighborhood BBQ. I am sure you are being civil, and in my experience, the more civil the better. Even if you are absolutely right. Besides, cops usually have pretty cool stories to listen to.

... then give them the "pig porter".

 

[olllllo]

No it didn't.

The last guy to get busted in Alabama was at least ten years ago. If I remember correctly he was doing a lot of other things and they just found the beer stuff and threw the book at him at that point.

It was 2 years ago.

Doesn't anyone read my posts? I might as well start a blog.

 

[ArtVandelay]

That's right, land of greed, home of the slaves. Nice surname BTW, you're an architect right?

No but I've always pretended to be one.

 

[weirdboy]

That's right, land of greed, home of the slaves. Nice surname BTW, you're an architect right?

Everyone knows Art Vandalay is a judge.

 

[Hang Glider]

Doesn't anyone read my posts? I might as well start a blog.

Ha! Now THAT'S funny!

 

[HBRunner]

Everyone knows Art Vandalay is a judge.

I thought he owned a latex company?

 

[TipsyDragon]

In fact, i didn't realize it was illegal to brew in oklahoma until recently when they started to get the law changed.

until they changed the law people could only legally brew wine and cider but not beer. now that the law has been passed they can brew beer as long as the ABV is below 3.2%. but really they have no way of checking that, not enough enforcement agents. heck before they changed the law people where brewing beer and no one was checking.

 

[Homercidal]

I really have to add that new slab of concrete to my garage so I can start homebrewing out in view of the public. I just want the police to stop by and start asking questions. I'm lonely.

 

[l1ranger]

I really have to add that new slab of concrete to my garage so I can start homebrewing out in view of the public. I just want the police to stop by and start asking questions. I'm lonely.

i've never been that lonely...

 

[Homercidal]

i've never been that lonely...

You will be. You will be.

</yoda>

 

[brewagentjay]

It was 2 years ago.

Doesn't anyone read my posts? I might as well start a blog.

what thread would love to read this story.

 

[DocBrown]

what thread would love to read this story.

He's referring to what happened to Scott Oberman. OlllllO posted this link earlier in this thread. Here's my understanding of what happened. Scott was never prosecuted and never got in "real trouble." I'm not aware of anyone actually being arrested or charged for homebrewing in at least a decade, and there's a very small chance of anything happening so long as you don't call attention to yourself. That said, there's always the chance some hotheaded young guy becomes an ABC agent and decides he wants to end the evils of alcohol, but even then, ABC seems a lot more interested in stills and underage drinking than in homebrewing. They are actually on board with passing the law legalizing homebrewing. Scott is still an active member of the Rocket City Homebrewers, but because ABC has a signed document that says he's aware of the laws about homebrewing and the article with his name is still floating around, he won't brew anything at his house until the law is changed.

 

[cof79]

I believe he was a importer/exporter.....giving some serious thought on focusing just on the importing.

 

[lpdb185]

mississippi sucks nuts. at least alabama can enjoy a 6%+ beer now. a city nearby recently passed an ordnance allowing for the sale of beer, but when it came to liquor they said no. i guess it's worse for you somehow? that's the kind of backwards logic that pervades mississippi's political realm. you can see it in our state alcohol laws too. i have yet to have one single politician/person explain why beer over 6% ABV should be illegal when you can go to just about any local liquor store and buy a $15 bottle of 95% ABV Everclear.

 

[Daybis]

lpdb185, what part of MS are you from? I am up in Starkville.

I moved here from California about 8 years ago. It was a real culture shock when I moved here. The beer laws here, on a regular basis, really get my blood pressure up. I've always felt that the beer laws are they way they are because of religion and ignorance. It wasn't until two years ago we could buy on Sunday and it was a similar pain in the butt to get cold beer. A lot of people against higher alcohol beer also argue that it's going to make kids drink more. Why would a high school kid spend money on high-end beer when he could buy liquor or cheap beer?

Since I have been here, I haven't heard of any busts. I don't hide my hobby. I feel that if the cops come bust down my door, then they have their priorities screwed up, especially since there is a huge problem with meth in this state. However, some friends of mine who do brew were wanting to start a club, but we have not followed through with anything for fear of sticking out.

 

[lpdb185]

i'm from the laurel/hattiesburg area. i've been to cali 2 or 3 times and it is definately a HUGE cultural difference, especially if you get away from the college towns here. the cold beer thing was a city ordnance to keep the students from MSU (you i suppose) from getting too drunk . but yeah, that's the kind of stupid sh!t we get down here. honestly, most people in MS don't really think like that. but, the greatest majority of voters and politically influential people here are old, white, southern baptists. so if the politicians want to get re-elected, they will cater to old white southern baptists. sometimes it reminds me of the mentality that led to the witch trials and earlier prohibition, the blindingly ignorant religious reformation mentality. but it's really more than that. in MS, you can make your own wine, but it
's illegal to homebrew beer (at least that's how i understand it). you can get 95% abv liquor, but are limited to 6% abv beer. this is beyond religion and well into the realm of sheer ignorance and failed logic.

as far as getting busted for homebrewing, it's probably unlikely. OTOH, i'm a cop and i've been with ABC to serve a warrant or two at some illegally operating bars. they mainly focus on underage drinking/sales, illegal operations, and illegal distilleries. i don't imagine you'd be arrested or prosecuted, but if you press the issue hard enough it's quite possible.

 

[Donner]

We will find out shortly how these things go down. A local brewer did an interview for a town magazine and discussed homebrewing and the grassroots org. Raise Your Pints. While i don't think anything bad will happen to him, i do think this is the most public display of brewing i've see in town. Outside of a parade or trying to sell homebrew, this is likely the best way to bring the heat down on brewing. But again, i don't see that as being a serious concern.

 

[DocBrown]

However, some friends of mine who do brew were wanting to start a club, but we have not followed through with anything for fear of sticking out.

In case you're interested, here's how the Rocket City Brewers club works: We have a website that is really just a front for a forum. If you're not registered, you can't access any of the forum information (including the list of members). In order to complete the registration process, you have to attend one of the monthly meetings (if you sign up and contact the administrator, he'll send you the details of when/where the meeting is being held). We have meetings at the houses of various members.

I'd say go ahead and start a club. It's a great way to get good feedback on your beers and experience other styles you haven't tried before. I know that I've learned a great deal just tasting beers and listening to the other guys in the club (some of whom have been brewing for 10-20 years) indicate off flavors and critique various brews people bring to the meetings. As long as you're reasonably careful, having a club shouldn't bring any more attention to you than just homebrewing on your own.

 

[mightynintendo]

Hopefully not like this:

(check out the video)

http://www.columbiatribune.com/news/2010/may/03/drug-raid-inquiry-is-ongoing/

 

[Jud]

Well look at Georgia, we can brew up to 50 gallons a year. But who checks or really cares.

As far as drawing attention to ones self. Buying and having several pounds of grain in your garage isn't going to cause a problem. It is explaining why you have a couple hundred pounds of sugar in your garage.

As for the law enforcement, I know a few that brew. To include me. And I have several partners that love to sample my homebrew. But most of the guys I work with would not know a still from a brewery. Unless they have been in my garage. It is not somethng we come in contact with every day. I would suggest invite them in show off your brewing knowledge. You might just turn someone else onto this awesome hobby!

Also law enforcement people are like everyone else. We like to have a good time, like everyone esle. If the guy is a jerk, just remember those few you have at your job that are real jerks, that most people can't stand. Guess what, we have them too!!!!

 

[ForRealBeer]

I was out brewing in my driveway a few months ago here in NC, and the sheriff drove by. Not a deputy, THE sheriff in his custom Dodge Charger Police Cruiser. He sees me, backs up and pulls in the driveway and asked if I was making corn liquor.

I laughed out loud and told him it was beer. He laughed and said he thought so but he had to ask.

Well, I live in a pretty nice golf course community off of the 17th green, a place where you see all kinds of people going behind the house playing their rounds. We're also ten houses up from the clubhouse and get all kinds of traffic out front too. Running a still there would be pretty damned dumb.

Unless I did it inside using one of these. Can't believe that's on E-Bay.

 

[MonkeyWrangler]

Blah. I'm at work and can't see the video. Were they simply brewing or were they distilling? Because that's total BS if they were just brewing. If they were distilling, then they MIGHT have been able to get enough methanol in their brew to hurt someone, but then only if they were REALLY bad with their initial fermentation. I highly doubt it.

Ahh those pesky strains of yeast that make methanol!

 

[brewagentjay]

Most of these laws not matter what state are stupid............1) Alabama - Beer 16oz or below container...why? 2) All states have some sort of limit on ABV on beer.......Why? 3) Homebrewing limits? (Granted hard to track) Why?

I can go on but what's the point..........I used to think man these laws are because a bunch of self richious a$$ holes think they know what's best for everyone........then well that doesn't exactly explain things as they would be against all forms not just beer.

So I question why?

Oh then I hear a radio ad for a local guy running for governor that states "I believe that the Holy Bible is the word of God"............Why? I mean why the hell do I care about this man's religion? I care if he can fix my screwed up state.

Sorry I started down a path that just pisses me off.........

One day perhaps a man in America will truely be free...........free to live a life that makes him happy and do what he wants on his own property(as long as it doesn't hurt others)..........perhaps one day.....wait we have a two party dictatorship so never mind...........We hold elections and don't realize they the two parties just take turns screwing us.........

Jumping off my soap box now.........wishing I was enjoying a nice homebrew instead of being at work today..........

 

[Daybis]

i'm from the laurel/hattiesburg area. i've been to cali 2 or 3 times and it is definately a HUGE cultural difference, especially if you get away from the college towns here. the cold beer thing was a city ordnance to keep the students from MSU (you i suppose) from getting too drunk . but yeah, that's the kind of stupid sh!t we get down here. honestly, most people in MS don't really think like that. but, the greatest majority of voters and politically influential people here are old, white, southern baptists. so if the politicians want to get re-elected, they will cater to old white southern baptists. sometimes it reminds me of the mentality that led to the witch trials and earlier prohibition, the blindingly ignorant religious reformation mentality. but it's really more than that. in MS, you can make your own wine, but it
's illegal to homebrew beer (at least that's how i understand it). you can get 95% abv liquor, but are limited to 6% abv beer. this is beyond religion and well into the realm of sheer ignorance and failed logic.

as far as getting busted for homebrewing, it's probably unlikely. OTOH, i'm a cop and i've been with ABC to serve a warrant or two at some illegally operating bars. they mainly focus on underage drinking/sales, illegal operations, and illegal distilleries. i don't imagine you'd be arrested or prosecuted, but if you press the issue hard enough it's quite possible.

I completely agree about the ordinances here. I have had some ideas for businesses to cater to the college students, but I have not followed through on anything for fear of my business being trashed by the drunk college kids. I also agree how the politics word around here.

I know it's unlikely for me to cause any issues with law enforcement. I can agree with busting illegal bars.

Also law enforcement people are like everyone else. We like to have a good time, like everyone esle. If the guy is a jerk, just remember those few you have at your job that are real jerks, that most people can't stand. Guess what, we have them too!!!!

Good point.

In case you're interested, here's how the Rocket City Brewers club works: We have a website that is really just a front for a forum. If you're not registered, you can't access any of the forum information (including the list of members). In order to complete the registration process, you have to attend one of the monthly meetings (if you sign up and contact the administrator, he'll send you the details of when/where the meeting is being held). We have meetings at the houses of various members.

I'd say go ahead and start a club. It's a great way to get good feedback on your beers and experience other styles you haven't tried before. I know that I've learned a great deal just tasting beers and listening to the other guys in the club (some of whom have been brewing for 10-20 years) indicate off flavors and critique various brews people bring to the meetings. As long as you're reasonably careful, having a club shouldn't bring any more attention to you than just homebrewing on your own.

Thanks for the info. I need to look into seeing how many people would be interested. From what I can tell, there are only 5 - 6 people that I know of that brew around here. At this point, I am thinking about traveling a bit to other larger cities to participate in a brew club. Also living in a college town, most of my friends, graduate students, come and go, so I think it might be difficult to keep a steady flow of people interested.