Legislation that would allow craft beer brewers and liquor distilleries to sell directly to consumers took a quick step forward Tuesday with unanimous approval from a House committee.

The vote means Senate Bill 85 could reach the House floor as early as Thursday and final passage next week.

The bill is seen as a compromise between alcohol manufacturers, who have long complained that Georgia's antiquated alcohol laws cost them business, and the beer and liquor wholesalers who have for generations controlled what types of booze is sold where.

Jim Chasteen, founder of ASW Distillery in Atlanta, said the bill is a "gigantic deal" for his business. Consumers would be able to come to the Midtown distillery, meet the owners, sample the goods and buy a bottle to take home.

“And that very likely leads to a second sale through a retail store,” he said.

About the Author

Keep Reading

John Love — a member of the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists, AFL-CIO union — holds a sign with other PASS members at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport's domestic terminal on  Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. PASS members at the Federal Aviation Administration working without pay or furloughed share pamphlets to call public attention to the impact of the government shutdown on aviation safety and the personal toll it is taking on their families. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

Featured

MARTA's Kensington Station in DeKalb County, seen last month, was the site of a bus collision Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, a MARTA spokesperson said. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com