Brew pubs bill headed to governor

Georgia brew pubs could at least double their beer-making capacity if a bill passed Thursday by the state Senate becomes law.

House Bill 472 would increase the number of barrels a brew pub could produce from 5,000 to 10,000. It would also increase from 500 to 5,000 the number they could sell to wholesale distributors.

The bill's sponsor, Rep. Richard Smith, R-Columbus, has said his proposal is meant to boost small businesses and could also create jobs. Supporters have noted that craft beers are gaining popularity in Georgia.