For folks who like an ice-cold brew on a hot summer day, but not just any brew will do, there’s a law for you. It allows you to order a couple of cases of your favorite craft “malted beverage” for shipment to your home — in the same way that wine-lovers have been able to order a case of their favorite beverage.
This is intended to be an economic development measure.
“Vermont brewers are getting quite a reputation,” Sen. Kevin Mullin, R-Rutland, said. He hopes allowing direct shipping will help Vermont’s breweries “get their products out there.”
Here’s a link to the Vermont Bill:
Act Summary:
This act makes numerous changes to the laws regarding alcoholic beverages. It allows the holder of a second class license to export malt beverages. It allows an alcoholic beverage manufacturer to sell malt beverages, vinous beverages, or spirits produced by up to five other manufacturers. The act clarifies the definition of “art gallery” and “bookstore” in relation to the art gallery or bookstore permit. The act allows an in-state or out‑of‑state brewer to ship malt beverages directly to Vermont consumers. The act allows the employee of a wholesale dealer to be employed by the holder of a first class license. The act clarifies which licensees must receive training in the sale and service of alcoholic beverages, expands acceptable identification for the purchase of alcoholic beverages to include a passport card, and repeals a sunset on the law enforcement powers of liquor control investigators.
Multiple effective dates, beginning June 3, 2013
This is huge in a few ways but let’s keep in mind that very few customers are trying to order Long Trail Ale. Nothing against Long Trail but their beer is already distributed pretty far. This is mostly big news for the small brewers that everyone wants by the case and would like to get it without driving 7 hours each way from NYC. The only problem is that currently, Lawson’s, Alchemist, Bobcat, Hill Farmstead and other breweries can’t meet demand of the people that are coming to the breweries in person. Could a brewery like Lawson’s switch to an online direct shipping model and stop doing farmers markets? Send kegs locally and send beer via mail to anyone that will pay the shipping fees? It’s possible and well have to see how the effects of this law play out.