Beer Laws in Texas are Broken. That is the headline of the newly formed Political Action Committee aimed at protecting the rights of Texas breweries and championing for constructive, common sense legislative reforms. CraftPAC was established by the Texas Craft Brewers Guild earlier this week to raise funds that will be used to support various political initiatives designed to improve job growth and the economic impact of the Texas brewing industry.
Photo courtesy of CraftPAC
Last year the state of Georgia passed legislation allowing breweries to sell beer for on site consumption, which put Texas at the top of the list for the state with the most restrictive beer laws.
And then last year, in a twist that blind sided the Texas craft brewing industry, House Bill 3287 requiring certain breweries to pay distributors a fee for any beer sold in a brewery’s taproom was fast tracked and passed despite opposition from the Guild and consumers who voiced their opinion via a petition signed by 15,000+ craft beer supporters.
It was a devistating setback for the industry and growth potential in Texas as stated in the CraftPAC press release, “The wholesale lobby has exerted massive influence in the state legislature by contributing tens of millions of dollars to elected officials,” CraftPAC Board Chair and Austin Beerworks Co-Founder Adam DeBower said. “If the Texas craft brewing industry is ever going to achieve its full potential, it has to play on the same field as the wholesalers. CraftPAC provides an opportunity for Texas craft brewers and beer consumers to vote not just with their dollars out in the marketplace, but also in the halls of the state Capitol.”
Photo courtesy of CraftPAC
It is well past time for change and you can help. The wholesale lobby is well organized and it’s time to level the playing field. Donate to CraftPAC today and join the fight to make Texas one of the best craft beer states in the nation!
Keep up with CraftPAC on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and use #CraftPAC and #FixTexasBeerLaws to show your support.
Photo courtesy of CraftPAC
