New Georgia brewery regulations allow brewers to sell variably priced tours (again), use social media

Georgia brewery lawsPer the Georgia Secretary of State, the updated regulations are in effect today for the state’s breweries.  Under the new regulations brewers will once again be able to offer variable pricing on tours, as well as use social media to alert consumers where their products are available for sale, an act that amazingly was forbidden prior to the new regulations.  The regulations also provide information on allowing third parties resale of tour tickets and the sale of food during tours.  The full text of the regulations will post on the Secretary of State website overnight.

Nancy Palmer, Executive Director of the Georgia Craft Brewers Guild, had the following to say about the new regulations:

The Georgia Craft Brewers Guild is deeply appreciative of the work the Department of Revenue did in getting these regulations written and approved. Today breweries across the state can use social media to talk about where their products are sold and they can charge whatever prices they see fit for their tour and tasting packages including tours with to-go souvenirs. Brewers also received clarification and guidance on allowing the resale of tour tickets by third parties, and the sale of food during tour times.

These regulatory changes make the rules brewery owners abide by easier to understand, but ultimately the Georgia General Assembly is going to have to address making the rules in Georgia better and more competitive for these entrepreneurs. We are excited that this weekend consumers across the state can get a free samples and free souvenirs from Georgia’s breweries – but it’s time for Georgia’s legislators to allow breweries to sell those pints and six packs.

The Georgia DoR has understandably been the target of a lot of criticism surrounding the policy bulletin issued last year that put a stop to many of the benefits of SB63.  After looking into this a lot more and dealing directly with the DoR I don’t believe they did that to intentionally hurt breweries, they simply got caught in the middle of a bad situation.  All information I’ve received from the Guild and brewers involved in the process has said the DoR was very helpful and cooperative when working on the new regulations.  When I dealt with the DoR directly via a freedom of information act request they were very quick and friendly when responding and encouraged me to reach out if I needed additional information.  Personally, I think we’re OK to put our pitchforks and torches away for now, but if you must keep them close I’ll understand.

As Ms. Palmer said, this is a good step, but far from a final solution.  I’m sure the Guild and brewers will keep fighting.  Until then, go out and take a tour at a brewery and enjoy your free samples and souvenirs, show those Georgia brewers some love.

Naughty Soda
Marietta’s Naughty Soda / Ironmonger Brewing is just one of the Georgia breweries ready to give you a tour. Stop by this weekend and try the Ironmonger Saison, a collaboration brewed by me and my homebrew buddy Brian.

 

https://beerguysradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Beer-Legislation-Update-Image-PNG.pnghttps://beerguysradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Beer-Legislation-Update-Image-PNG-150x150.pngTim DennisLegislationNewsbeer legislation,legislation,SB63,souvenirs,to go,tour rules,toursNew Georgia brewery regulations allow brewers to sell variably priced tours (again), use social media Per the Georgia Secretary of State, the updated regulations are in effect today for the state's breweries.  Under the new regulations brewers will once again be able to offer variable pricing on tours, as well...Cold beer, hot conversations, stupid jokes.