Microbrew License Proposal passes Senate | Video

Van Tieu | 2/25/2013

North Dakota microbreweries might soon be able to sell their products more widely. The State Senate overwhelmingly approved a bill to allow small breweries to get brew taproom licenses if they produce no more than 25,000 barrels a year. That`s about 50,000 kegs.

The license would allow small craft beer makers to manufacture, store, transport, sell and export malt beverages. They wouldn`t have to pay a distributor if they use their own equipment and employees to export their brews. Otherwise, it would violate the three tier system of suppliers, distributors and retailers. Both distributors and small brewers brought the proposal forward.

Senator Philip Murphy described the bill in tongue-in-cheek. "Both the distributors and those who wish to be craft brewers, sat down, as I said, to avoid any bitterness in this bill. This fermentation process seems to solve not only the large problem between them, but the yeast of their concerns as well."

The bill now goes to the House.

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