Failing to clear committee, The Reform on Tap Act of 2018 (H.B. 518) sought to provide for: no limits for Class 5 or Class 7 brewery taproom sales; no limits for take-home sales; no limits …More
Current Issues
Download the latest Monthly Legal Update
Review a consolidated presentation of the latest legal proceedings or filter updates by state below.
Government affairs current issues, news and announcements from the Brewers Association and members of the House and Senate Small Brewers Caucus.
On December 20, 2017, Congress passed H.R. 1, the Tax Cut and Jobs Act. Learn more about how this bill could affect your brewery.
DOJ Clarifies ABI-SABMiller Proposed Final Judgment
Since the October 2016 Anheuser-Busch InBev (ABI) acquisition of SABMiller, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has been working with ABI on approval of the Proposed Final Judgment (PFJ) and has now clarified the “best efforts” …More
MD Sales Limitation Proposal Fails to Advance
Withdrawn from consideration, H.B. 1052 sought, among a variety of provisions, to reduce the number of barrels a Class 5 brewery could sell for on-site consumption from 2,000 to 500 (although this restriction would not …More
Texas Craft Brewer Challenge Denied
A federal district court in Texas issued an opinion in Deep Ellum Brewing, LLC, et al. v. Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, upholding Texas’ prohibition on sales of beer by brewers to consumers for off-premises consumption.
Maryland Beer Promotion Passes Senate
Passing the Senate, S.B. 956 establishes the Maryland Beer and Brewery Promotion Program and Fund to provide grants to eligible applicants designed to promote Maryland beer, assist Maryland breweries, and educate the public about brewing …More
Taproom Hours Bill Signed in Alabama
Signed by the Governor, H.B. 303 exempts tasting rooms from a law prohibiting manufacturers from selling alcohol between 9 PM Saturday and 2 AM Monday.
MA Franchise Bill under Consideration
Rereferred to committee, S.B. 136 seeks to restore contract rights to craft brewers.
AL Beer Donation Bill Becomes Law
Becoming law without the Governor’s approval, H.B. 414 would create a new nonprofit special events retail license and allows manufacturers to donate up to 31 gallons of beer and up to two cases of table …More
On-Premise Sales Bill Gets NH Senate Nod
Passing the Senate, S.B. 418 allows beverage manufacturers and nano breweries to sell one sample per label and two pints per person for consumption on premises with a maximum of 48 ounces per person.
Senator Blumenthal Stops by Thomas Hooker Brewing Co.
As Federal Affairs Manager Katie Marisic recently reported, U.S. legislators are stopping by local breweries to show their support. The visits continued last week with Sen. Blumenthal’s trip to Thomas Hooker Brewing Company in Connecticut. Curt …More