In Mississippi, if you tour a craft brewery, you may be offered a generous sample of the product.
But even if it is the best beer you’ve ever tasted, you can’t purchase it from the brewery directly, because it is against the law.
The state House has passed HB 1322, that would allow for onsite sales, but the bill hasn’t been referred to committee.
If it isn’t taken up by February 28, the bill dies.
“If this bill does not happen, there will be more brewery closures,” said Matthew McLaughlin, Director of the Craft Brewers Guild. “And there will be investments and jobs leaving Mississippi. Period.”
McLaughlin said brewers have already expressed to him how they would leave for other states with a more progressive law on onsite sales.
“If this bill doesn’t pass, Mississippi would be the only state in the Union that doesn’t allow onsite sales,” said McLaughlin.
The bill could be referred soon, but if it is not referred to a committee by February 28, it cannot be taken up during this legislative session.
News Mississippi will continue to follow this bill.
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