Re: Save Bell's

Gentlemen, I just wanted to weigh in on this issue, and point out a couple of things. I have been serving on the Brewers Association Board of Directors for the last three years and have been involved in a lot of discussions on this topic, so I'm not just winging it here. But obviously I am speaking only for myself here. Distribution is a very complicated issue. I agree that from what I know about this deal, Larry got kind of screwed here, and in general, small brewers have the raw end of the deal in most states. It would be great to be able to change things. However, I think people need to understand that small brewers and their fanatical fans (self included) are bit players in the melodrama of beverage regulation and distribution. Tiny, microscopic ants. Large and powerful forces rule the day, which isn't to say we can't have a meaningful influence. But I do want to caution our side that we need to approach any activism with information, a clear purpose, and a very well thought out plan. Oh, yes, and maybe some powerful allies, too. It is quite possible that by poking at the nest with our little stick, to get actual hornets to fly out and sting us and our beermaking pals. Distributors, feeling under attack by recent Supreme Court decisions and by large and small suppliers trying to chip away at their position, have taken the initiative to rewrite the distribution laws in a few states, with sometimes disastrous effects for small brewers. We got totally hosed in New Jersey. A bad Wisconsin law was made less bad through the efforts of enthusiasts and homebrewers, and another law was beaten back in California. Informed people expect that now that the legislatures are in session, that there will be more attempts to close the noose on brewers et al. These are nasty laws, sometimes shoved through when nobody's looking. Distributors are seriously well connected, and have very deep pockets and other resources, and it appears they are willing to fight dirty in order to hold onto their position. Don't underestimate their seriousness, determination or resources. Beware. Any serious organizing should go on offline from this very public forum, I think. Anybody wants to chat about the issue can call me. Email me for my phone number. --Randy