Home-brewed beer is quickly becoming popular with many people. More than just drinking it at home, they also enjoy sharing with fellow friends at festivals and entering tasting competitions. This new interest has focused attention on long-forgotten alcohol laws, most of which date back to Prohibition. These laws make it illegal to share alcohol outside the brewer’s home and could “pretty much be the end of competitions in Wisconsin,” “At least legally ones.” one Wisconsin citizen says. Recently, these old laws have been rarely enforced, but beer enthusiasts fear they could criminalize the rapidly growing hobby and make the many annual tasting events that bring tourists to small towns illegal. 
The Brewers may have some hope in Wisconsin. The State Legislature passed a bill last week that will allow them to transport homemade beer and wine and share with other adults, but will not be allowed to sell for profit. They will remain exempt from permit requirements and taxes. The bill is expected to be signed into law by Governor Walker.
The American Homebrewers Association in Boulder, CO says there are at least 17 other states that have similar laws against home brewers. These rules can be very frustrating and difficult for brewers to learn and understand. They want to spend more time enjoying their hobby and less worrying about which states have what laws and such.
Dan Grady of the Wisconsin Homebrewers Alliance warns other beer-makers of a danger. He says states may try and use this issue to generate money for the state. “States are under enormous pressure. It’s a revenue issue,’ he said. “Everything is on the table these days.” The director of the home brewers association, Gary Glass, said it’s a balancing act when considering whether to pursue a change in the law. “The question becomes, at what point does a home brewing community want to take on having the law changed if it’s not really having an impact to what they’re doing?” “In this economy, you’re stifling an industry that’s growing,” he said. “It sounds like a bad move.”
Many people with little or no experience brewing beer are buying kits and making beer on their own. It has turned into a beer culture of people sharing their concoctions with their neighbors and friends in clubs and competitions. Just last year, the home brewers association along with the Beer Judge Certification Program hosted more than 411 beer competitions. Jason Heindel, president of the Beer Barons of Milwaukee Cooperative said, “Back in the day, everybody thought home brewing would just be what your grandfather would do,” The boom of home brewing has increased sales to brewing supply shops all over the country.
Home brewing was illegal until the federal government lifted Prohibition-era restrictions on making alcohol in the home. The revised law leftmost alcohol regulations up to the individual states. Many states still have laws on the books that supersede federal policies. Many home brewers have been caught by surprise with these laws and had to conduct their beer tasting competition privately. Many still live in fear of reprisals from these rules.
by James Apple Jr.
Proverbs 20:1 (ESV)
“Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.”
“All right, brain, you don't like me, and I don't like you, but let's just get me through this, and I can get back to killing you with beer.” Matt Groening (1954 - ), The Simpsons
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