Big news out of Austin (and it has nothing to do with SXSW)! Instead, it has everything to do with our favorite beverage: beer. And craft beer at that!
Recently, Texas State Senator Kevin Eltife (R-Tyler) brought to the floor Senate Bill 1386, which would grant Texas craft brewery visitors the right to take home the beer they buy at said breweries. This builds upon Eltife’s legislation, introduced in 2013, allowing breweries to sell beer to visitors for consumption in onsite taprooms. This time around, craft brewers could sell cans, bottles and growlers of beer—to go.
It’s good to see that the Texas State Senate has its priorities straight.
What’s even more exciting about this bill is the implications it heralds for the craft beer industry overall. This legislation is expected to strengthen national recognition of Texas craft beer, inspire craft beer enthusiasts to visit Texas and reinforce Texas’ reputation as a craft beer destination.
This bill could enrich the experience of those who seek out craft beer in Texas by allowing guests to take some home with them. This is just one step closer to Texas being perceived as a true craft brewery state.
Senate Bill 1386 also would allow craft breweries that brew less than 225,000 barrels of beer a year to sell beer directly to the consumer. These consumers would be allowed to buy up to 576 fluid ounces (two cases of beer), once a month from a Texas brewery.
“Texas craft brewers continue to bring economic growth, jobs and national recognition to the state,” says Senator Eltife. “This legislation is designed to finish what we started last session and bring people from around the country to this state, which is rapidly becoming the epicenter of craft brewing quality.”
Texas State House of Representatives Rep. Jim Keffer (R-Eastland) added, “This gives Texas breweries the same rights already enjoyed by wineries, distilleries and many of their out-of-state competitors. Most important, it gives consumers greater access to Texas-made beer.”
Texas craft beer has been on the rise, producing $2.3 billion in revenue in 2013. The state also received 16 medals at the most recent Great American Beer Festival in Denver, Colorado, only one of four states to bring home at least 16.
Keep an eye out for the fate of Senate Bill 1386 in the Texas State Senate. Your favorite local brewery could soon be your favorite local beer store.
