RE: A Chance to Help the Micros

As most Ale Stars are probably aware, Minnesota licensing laws make a distinction between breweries and brewpubs. While breweries are prohibited from selling any beer directly to the consumer, brewpubs are allowed to do so, but only on their own premises. They may not package beer in bottles or kegs, or distribute their beer for sale anywhere else. Last year, the Minnesota legislature liberalized the laws regulating brewpubs to allow sales of growlers, so that their beer may be consumed away from their premises. This change, however, did not affect breweries. Minnesota's only remaining microbreweries, Lake Superior and Mantorville, are supporting legislation drafted by Senator Yvonne Prettner-Solon, which would allow micros to sell growlers. This would enable them to realize additional sales revenue from brewery visitors without jeopardizing existing relationships with bars and liquor stores. The law, as drafted, would also allow microbreweries to be granted temporary event licenses in order to sell beer directly to the public, enabling breweries to sponsor events in the community, or even at the brewery. It would also revise the license fees paid by breweries. Although we used to have more, Minnesota is now down to only 2 microbreweries. These legislative changes are crucial to the survival and success of micros, and all homebrewers are encouraged to contact their state legislators and express their support of these changes. I've taken the liberty to list the e-mail addresses of some local state Legislators and Senators below to assist you in contacting them with your opinions (I apologize if your's is not listed). Let's help these micros succeed by leveling the playing field. rep.thomas.huntley(a)house.mn sen.yvonne.prettner_solon(a)senate.mn rep.mike.jaros(a)house.mn rep.mary.murphy(a)house.mn rep.david.dill(a)house.mn sen.tom.bakk(a)senate.mn And don't forget the big guy: tim.pawlenty(a)state.mn.us _________________________________________________________________ Store more e-mails with MSN Hotmail Extra Storage - 4 plans to choose

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