New Law Greenlights the Previously Threatened 2015 National Homebrewers Conference and Southern California Homebrewers Festival

Boulder, CO • August 26, 2014 –The American Homebrewers Association (AHA) applauds the California State Legislature and Governor Jerry Brown for the passage and signing of Assembly Bill 2609 (AB2609), a bill to allow homebrewing organizations to host homebrew events in the state.

The new law, which goes into effect January 1, 2015, affirms the legality of the 37th annual 2015 AHA National Homebrewers Conference—the world’s largest gathering of homebrewers, scheduled for June 11-13 in San Diego—and the upcoming Southern California Homebrewers Festival. Prior to the bill’s passage, both events were in jeopardy of being cancelled.

“California has been central to the growth of homebrewing—as a hobby, a business and a community,” said AHA Director Gary Glass. “The passage of AB2609 provides homebrewers the opportunity to continue innovating, learning and sharing their craft through events organized by homebrewers for homebrewers. We’re thrilled to be able to bring the 2015 National Homebrewers Conference to San Diego.”

Last year, an amendment added to Assembly Bill 1425 (AB1425) was passed and effectively banned homebrewing organizations—including the AHA and the California Homebrewers Association (CHA)—from hosting events centered around their favorite hobby. As a result, the 24th annual 2014 CHA Southern California Homebrewers Festival was forced to be cancelled.

Additionally, the 2015 AHA National Homebrewers Conference, which had already been slated for San Diego, was at risk of being relocated. Every year, the annual three-day convention—both a social and educational event—brings together thousands of homebrewers and beer enthusiasts from all over the U.S. The conference was previously held in San Diego in 2011.

The AHA and CHA mounted a campaign for the passage of AB2609, with more than 150 individual homebrewers from across California submitting letters to the state government in support of the measure. The bill unanimously passed both the Assembly and Senate.

Contact: Jacob Streiter, on behalf of the American Homebrewers Association, jacob@rosengrouppr.com, (646) 695-7047

About the American Homebrewers Association

The American Homebrewers Association has worked on behalf of the homebrewing community since 1978 and celebrates a membership of more than 45,000 homebrewers. The American Homebrewers Association (AHA) organizes events including the National Homebrewers Conference and National Homebrew Competition. The AHA also publishes Zymurgy magazine. The AHA is part of the Brewers Association, whose Brewers Publications division is the largest publisher of contemporary and relevant brewing literature for today’s craft brewers and homebrewers.

Beer lovers and anyone interested in making their own homemade beer are invited to learn more at HomebrewersAssociation.org. Follow the AHA on Twitter, and join us on Facebook.

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