Brewing at home has America in high spirits
Source: Agencies |
March 23, 2012, Friday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
AN explosion of interest in home brewing is forcing lawmakers across the United States to review long-forgotten alcohol laws, some of which date back to Prohibition in the 1920s. Although the old laws have rarely been enforced, beer enthusiasts fear they could criminalize the rapidly growing hobby and kill scores of annual tasting events that bring tourists to small towns and cities.
In Wisconsin, home brewers may soon be off the hook. The state Legislature last week passed a bill to allow them to transport homemade beer and wine and to share it with other adults. Brewers will still not be permitted to sell anything they make.
The proposal now heads to Governor Scott Walker, who plans to sign it into law.
At least 17 states have ambiguous laws on whether home brewers can transport beer or wine outside the home, the American Homebrewers Association said.
More than ever, people with little or no experience of brewing beer or other fermented beverages are investing in kits and ingredients to make their own. The hobby has expanded into a vibrant beer culture, with brewers freely sharing their concoctions among neighbors and friends and in clubs and competitions. Last year, there were 411 beer competitions sanctioned by the home brewers association. That's up from fewer than 100 in the early 1990s.
Home brewing was illegal in the United States until 1978, when the federal government lifted Prohibition-era restrictions on making alcohol in the home.
In Wisconsin, home brewers may soon be off the hook. The state Legislature last week passed a bill to allow them to transport homemade beer and wine and to share it with other adults. Brewers will still not be permitted to sell anything they make.
The proposal now heads to Governor Scott Walker, who plans to sign it into law.
At least 17 states have ambiguous laws on whether home brewers can transport beer or wine outside the home, the American Homebrewers Association said.
More than ever, people with little or no experience of brewing beer or other fermented beverages are investing in kits and ingredients to make their own. The hobby has expanded into a vibrant beer culture, with brewers freely sharing their concoctions among neighbors and friends and in clubs and competitions. Last year, there were 411 beer competitions sanctioned by the home brewers association. That's up from fewer than 100 in the early 1990s.
Home brewing was illegal in the United States until 1978, when the federal government lifted Prohibition-era restrictions on making alcohol in the home.
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