FRANKFORT, Ky -- A bill that would lift the cap on the amount of beer a brewer can sell directly to consumers passes a House committee. HB 136 would remove a 288 ounce limit (2 cases of 12 ounce cans/bottles) of craft beer a taproom could sell to consumers. It now heads to the full House for consideration.
Adam Watson of Against the Grain Brewery tells lawmakers it is an arbitrary number that keeps them from meeting consumer demand. However, River City Distributing's John Harris says distributors and retailers support the current cap saying lifting it alters the current three-teir system by allowing brewers to sell unlimited amounts directly to the public.
Distributors and retailers also complain brewers already by-pass them with special releases only available in taprooms.
The measure now heads to the full House for consideration.