May 19 is the drop dead date for HB 196 otherwise known as the Gourmet Beer Bill. That is tomorrow. Everybody keep your fingers crossed.

Two things that do not bode well for the bill. One, it appears that the Free the Hops website is either under attack or has been taken down before the vote. Secondly, this article was in yesterdays Montgomery Advertiser. We have been led to believe that Governor Bob Riley would sign this bill if it passes. After reading the article ,it doesn't look good for his signature. As well, bills passed at this point in the session can be pocket vetoed. Another likely outcome....along with the dreaded filibuster.

I am glad I am a brewer.  read more »

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I just thought I would pass this along. It's the latest email from the president of the "Free the Hops" organization in Alabama, Stuart Carter. (concerning our ongoing fight to change the archaic "6% ABV limit on beer" laws here) I hope anyone living in, or planning on visiting Alabama, would support this boycott. Free the Hops members and supporters, We are not far from the beginning of the 2008 legislative session! We are pushing even harder this year to ensure our bill will get passed, and have been speaking with those responsible for preventing success last year. Unfortunately, the leadership at Birmingham Budweiser is still working against the interests of both Anheuser Busch (who, in addition to Bud, brew dozens of beers that are currently illegal under Alabama law) and Alabama consumers. They have indicated that they will again work to prevent our bill, freeing the hops, from passing in the Alabama state legislature. It is with great sadness that I have to proceed on the basis of requesting all FtH members and supporters in the Jefferson County area to join in a formal boycott of Birmingham Budweiser products. I have sent the attached press release to various journalists, so you can expect to see this in the newspapers soon. If you have any news contacts, please pass this email with the two attachments on to them. I have included a list of products supplied by Birmingham Budweiser for ease of reference. If you are approached for a comment, I would ask you to model any responses on the content of the press release or to refer any requests for comment to me. Please also let me know who you spoke to and their contact details. If you hear from any retailers or other businesses who would like to join in, please ask them to contact me but also emphasise to them that this is a targeted action against the behaviours of the leadership of *Birmingham* Budweiser. Stuart Carter President Free the Hops | Alabamians for Specialty Beer -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Anheuser-Busch Beer List ? 9th Street Market Tuscan Orange ? Beach Bum Blonde Ale ? Bud Ice ? Bud Light ? Budweiser ? Busch ? Elk Mountain Amber Ale ? Hurricane ? Michelob Amber Bock ? Michelob Beer ? Michelob Black & Tan ? Michelob Golden Pilsner ? Michelob Hefeweizen ? Michelob Honey Lager ? Michelob Light ? Michelob Märzen ? Michelob Pale Ale ? Michelob Ultra ? Michelob Ultra Amber ? O'Doul's ? O'Doul's Amber ? Redbridge ? Shock Top Belgian White ? Spring Heat Spiced Wheat * ? Sun Dog Amber Wheat ale ? Wild Blue ? Winter's Bourbon Cask Ale ?  read more »

On Sept. 1st restaurants and retail stores in Florence, Ala., started selling a revolutionary new product: draft beer.

It took an act of the Alabama Legislature, but Florence bars were able to install taps and start pouring drafts for thirsty customers. Outlets in Florence can also sell beer on Sundays. Now nearby towns are moving to join most of the rest of America in allowing consumers to get a crisp fresh glass of beer.  read more »

Found this article from the Los Angeles Times today, Monday, March 10, 2008, thanks to the Brew Board…Here’s the nut graf: “Seventy-five years after Prohibition, beer aficionados in Alabama are fighting for the right to brew and chug as they please. That’s raised the ire of Southern Baptists, who frown on alcohol in any form. [...]

The vote on Alabama’s “Gourmet Beer” bill could come as early as tomorrow.

“Free The Hops” is asking for your help: “Because the Gourmet Beer Bill has already passed the State House of Representatives, this is the final step before sending this bill to the Governor. It’s very close, so please contact your senator to express your support.”

When this bill was debated in the House, many legislators spoke of the dozens of phone calls they received from their constituents. Your phone calls and emails really do make a difference and is one of the primary reasons we passed in the House. Let’s do this again!

When you call your senator’s office, you’ll likely speak to a secretary who will only be interested in knowing the bill number and your position. Here’s an example of what to say if you’re not sure:

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