Politics
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.
HB 472 passed on a 49-1 vote. It passed the House last month. Because no changes were made to the bill, it goes to the governor for his signature to become law.
