Nevada bill to increase craft beer production cap opposed by state wholesalers

The Las Vegas Review Journal says a bill has been tabled in Nevada to increase the state’s punitive production cap limits on brewpubs. Right now, production in Nevada is capped at 15,000 bbls a year, which seems insane. The bill is looking to lift that to 45,000 bbls a year.

No brainer, right? As you’d assume, the article quotes state brewers who are contemplating leaving the state in order to stay on course. Why cap the growth of these fledgling businesses in a booming market? Well, Alfredo Alonzo, a lobbyist representing Southern Glazer Wine and Spirits and the Nevada Beer Wholesalers Association in addition to his full-time duties as a turd in a punchbowl, has thought of a few dumb reasons why and is opposing this bill.

From the Las Vegas Review Journal:

It was clear in 1995 when the brewpub industry was authorized by lawmakers that it was to be a limited retail license to go with a small supplier to give them a leg up, he said.

“Beer sales are down,” Alonzo said. “I understand the issue of growth. But it has to be managed.”

The states with no caps or higher barrel limits also have large budgets for enforcement, he said. Nevada has two positions for enforcement compared to 45 for Oregon, Alonzo said.

“To make sure when you have a brewer, that they are actually paying their taxes,” Alonzo said. “There has to be some balance. There has to be some enforcement. There has to be some cap on what is sold on premise.”