ATLANTA — House Bill 99, introduced by state Representative Jason Spencer (R-Woodbine), received final passage in the Senate with support from an overwhelming majority on Tuesday, March 26, 2013, and will now go to the Governor for consideration. This bill would legalize home brew competitions in the state of Georgia.
“This bill is probably the most pro-liberty, pro-freedom bill we have passed this session, and it will have a very positive economic impact in the state,” said Rep. Spencer. “The passage of this bill represents Georgia’s commitment to enhancing personal and economic freedom. I am thankful to my colleagues in the House, Senate, and the Department of Revenue that worked together to legalize and legitimize homebrew competitions in this state.”
House Bill 99 would change the amount of malt beverages that may be produced by a person in his or her private residence. Under current law, private residences are only allowed to produce 50 gallons of beer per year, and those 50 gallons can only legally be consumed in the person’s home. HB 99 rewrites the existing law and states that individuals may now produce 100-200 gallons of malt beverages a year, depending on the size of the household. It passed in the Senate by a vote of 46-2.
“Many individuals who have expanded and developed the growing craft brew industry in Georgia got their start as home brewers. Increasing yearly home brewing limits and removing barriers to home brew competitions will foster more growth in the field and lead to more business for brewing supply shops. It will also attract the American Homebrewer’s Association National Homebrew competition,” added Rep. Spencer.
For more information about HB 99, please click here.
Representative Jason Spencer represents the citizens of District 180, which includes Camden, Charlton, and Ware counties. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2010, is currently serving on the Game Fish & Parks, Human Relations & Aging, Juvenile Justice, and Special Rules committees.
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