You could now call it Georgia’s boilermaker bill.
Once nicknamed the “Beer Jobs” legislation, Senate Bill 63 won unanimous approval from the House Regulated Industries Committee Tuesday.
SB 63 would allow breweries to charge customers for tours and then give them — as a free souvenir — up to 72 ounces of beer to take home in one or more containers. That is equal to a six-pack of beer. Visitors would also be able to drink up to 36 ounces of free samples at the breweries.
Additionally, the bill would allow distilleries to charge for tours and allow visitors to take home a container of up to 750 milliliters of spirits as a free souvenir. That is equal to three quarters of a liter. Distilleries would be permitted to serve up to three half-ounce samples to visitors on site.
SB 63, however, does not allow brewpubs to offer take-home beer. But the bill's sponsor — Sen. Hunter Hill, R-Atlanta — said other lawmakers have been discussing amending the bill on the House floor to allow that in some form.
The bill now heads to the House Rules Committee for consideration.
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