Utah Homebrewing Now Legal
March 1st, 2009
Homebrewers recognized in Utah Legislature with a bill that has passed allowing for 100 gallons of home-made fermented alcohol per person each year
by Richard Markosian
As a homebrewer it came as quite a surprise when I found out it was actually illegal for me to be making my own beer in Utah. But like all other Utah homebrewers, I didn't let a silly Utah liquor law get in my way.
I learned a couple of weeks ago that thanks in large part to the folks at the Beer Nut and the American Homebrewers Associattion-- a law allowing for the right to home brew has gotten further in the Utah legislative process than ever before. Rep. Christine Johnson, D-Salt Lake City has sponsored HB 51, which would grant homebrewers a legal right to homebrew up to 100 gallons of any fermeted alcoholic beverage for every man, woman and child (over 21), per household. Last Wednesday this bill incredibly passed the Utah Senate!
The Utah State Senate is the most anti-alcohol group of lawmakers probably on planet earth, and they legalized homebrewing That's what you call progress! But not quite so fast.
According to the AP-- Sen Valentine (R) has amended the bill to add additional silliness making it illegal to transport more than 72 ounces of the homebrewed beer.
Rep. Johnson, approved of the changes. She likely understands that without the added ridiculous amendments, there would be no hope of it getting out of the Senate for passage in the House. So from all home brewers--cheers to Christine Johnson!
More Homebrew Information
