Alabama senate passes bill to legalize homebrewing

Homebrewing was federally legalized once again in 1978, since it was made illegal from prohibition in 1919. Today, homebrewing is currently legal in 49 states. Mississippi was the last state to legalize homebrewing, passing legislation in late March (to much applause from CBB and friends). The remaining state where homebrewing is not yet legal is Alabama, but that might be changing soon.

The American Homebrewers Association (AHA) just announced the Alabama legislature passed a bill that, once signed by Gov. Robert Bentley, will effectively legalize homebrewing throughout the state.

“Homebrewing has been an integral part of the history of America, so it’s thrilling to know that soon all 50 states will support this growing hobby and long-standing tradition,” said Gary Glass, director, American Homebrewers Association. “We appreciate the backing of all the homebrewers, the dedicated grassroots efforts of Right to Brew and the legislators who have worked so diligently to make homebrewing a reality in Alabama. We are especially grateful to Representative Mac McCutcheon who introduced this bill and has fought long and hard for its passage, along with Senator Bill Holtzclaw.”

The hobby of homebrewing has seen exponential growth in recent years. The AHA estimates that more than 1 million Americans brew beer or make wine at home at least once a year. Alabama is home to an estimated 5,000 homebrewers who could soon enjoy brewing without the restrictions of a state-wide ban.

The AHA has been working with Right to Brew for five years in order to get the Alabama bill passed, which is pretty amazing. We certainly raise a big ole frosty pint to both groups. If the Alabama bill is signed by Gov. Bentley, it will be the first time since pre-Prohibition days that homebrewers in all the states can legally brew at home. God bless America.