Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell recently signed S.B. 604.  Several breweries, including Devils Backbone Brewing Company, Star Hill Brewery, Williamsburg Alewerks, and Hardywood Park Craft Brewery,  lobbied to gain support for this bill which will allow breweries to sell pints at their brewery without selling food.

Mike Killelea, Chairman of the Virginia Craft Brewers Guild (VCBG), believes craft breweries should be given the same rights as wineries, who have been able to sell glasses of wine in their tasting rooms for years.  Mr. Killelea, the VCBG along with the Virginia Manufacturers Association, which oversees the VCBG, were also instrumental in the lobbying efforts. “Craft Breweries are a vehicle for economic growth and job creation in Virginia,” he explains. “S.B. 604 will help existing breweries flourish and create opportunities for new craft breweries to enter the market.”

The bill will take effect July 1st. 

To follow other issues facing the brewing industry, visit the Brewers Association’s Legal Brief section.