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Oregon State and county fairs back to “brewing up” fun again…

Government, Home Brewers, Legislature No Responses »

Mar 212011

Homebrew beer starter kit

Provided by State House co-speakers

SALEM— Home brew competitions at the Oregon State Fair and local county fairs across the state will be back this summer following passage of SB 444, according to Oregon House Co-Speakers Arnie Roblan and Bruce Hanna.

The bill changes a prohibition-era law that was recently reinterpreted by the Oregon Liquor Control Commission that caused the Oregon State Fair to cancel home beer and wine events, including the 23rd annual Amateur Beer Competition, last year.

The Department of Justice claimed that while Oregonians could brew beer and craft wine at home, they couldn’t share it beyond that. SB 444 also clarifies that those who brew craft beer or wine at home can share it with friends and neighbors.
“This bill is a great example of legislators coming together to fix an unintended consequence of state liquor law. Local events should be able to feature local home brewers and this bill puts us back on the right track.” Co-Speaker Hanna said.

“This bill stops in its tracks a misguided legal opinion that shut down competitions at fairs all over Oregon,” Rep. Schaufler said. “This legislation ensures that home brewers can share their products and that the growing craft beer industry gets a boost. The return of these competitions at local county fairs is welcome news for home brewers and their fans.”

Roblan said the bill made clear that a prohibition-era law used to shut down the competitions last year was not necessary in today’s regulatory environment.

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Home brew beer no longer “beyond the pale” in Oregon?

Home Brewers No Responses »

Feb 222011

In what appears to be a pretty easy sell by Oregon home brewers of boutique beers, the Oregon Senate has approved a change in state liquor laws that currently makes it illegal for beer made at home to be taken beyond the front porch.

The little known law enacted in the Prohibition 1930s barred anyone making beer in their home from taking it off their property and could be charged with a serious offense if they did. Certainly if they tried to enter a beer brewers competition at the State Fair. The law was “discovered” last year which forced the cancellation of the competition at at the 2010 State Fair. The law also conjured up the notion that receiving a prize at such a competition or paying dues to a brewer’s club constituted payment for the brew triggering a license requirement from the Oregon Liquor Control Commission.

Well, all that appears to be fading away with the Senate’s passing of SB 444. The bill, which is now enroute to the House with numerous sponsors lined up to push it along, expands the exemption for homemade beer AND fermented fruit juice from the Liquor Control Act. Not only can hobby brewers and fermenters form dues paying clubs, they can also conduct tastings. They will also be allowed to receive a tax deduction or credit for donating beer, wine or fermented juice to a non-profit organization.

From being nearly outlawed to becoming a tax-duductible item, who says government can’t be responsive!?

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