Questions on Commercial Brewing requirements...

[Anthony_Lopez]

If this needs to be moved to a different forum category, please just let me know first.

Last weekend my brew crew and I served a couple 12 packs of our beer at one of our member's engagement party. A few of the inlaws were "serious" beer drinkers and past brewers. Apparently they spread the word to a business owner that wants us to brew commercially for him. While this is not set in stone by any means, I'm curious what you all know about licensing and the legalities of brewing for a "retail" purpose. I'm going to be doing my own research as well, and will be speaking to my brother who is a lawyer. I just thought I'd see what you guys and gals know and compile some information so I don't go into this meeting completely blind.

This could be really fun, though I'm fearful of turning my hobby into a business...

 

[ohiobrewtus]

From what I understand about all of the legalaties and approvals, if you decide to start brewing commercially today, you might actually be able to do so in about 2 years. It's certainly not something that you can just decide to do one day and start doing the next.

Look for threads by Brewtopia or Brewpastor, both of them have (or will soon have) experience in brewing commercially.

 

[Bobby_M]

It might actually be easier to have your interested party set up a brewery at their place of business (brewpub?) and hire you as an employee or consultant because it takes out the distributorship red tape.

 

[tranceamerica]

DO IT! DO IT NOW!!! YES YES!!

 

[Anthony_Lopez]

Thats the plan BobbyM. He will essentially get all licensing, equipment, etc and we will brew for him. I just wanted to get as much info as I can before I meet with him next week.

 

[Soulive]

Damn, you guys have been brewing for 3 months and you already have an investor?!? :rockin: