tMichigan microbrewers may now double their production to 60,000 barrels per year thanks to one of nine beer-centric bills that Gov. Rick Snyder signed Tuesday.
t“Michigan-made beer is award winning and world renowned,” Snyder said. “We have the fifth-largest number of microbreweries and brewpubs in the nation, and this legislation will empower our great craft beer industry to keep growing.”
tPrior to Tuesday, brewpub owners were authorized to have interest in only two pubs. That has since increased to six, so long as the combined barrel production does not exceed 18,000 barrels per year. Also, microbreweries that produce less than 1,000 barrels per year may now distribute their product directly to retailers under certain conditions as part of the new law.
tThe nine-bill package received bipartisan support, with State Sen. Joe Hune (R-Hamburg) sponsoring three of the signed bills — one of which removes the requirement that brewers, wineries, liquor makers, or their wholesalers pay a state beer, wine, or liquor tax more than once every three months.
tOn an annual basis, the state’s brewing industry contributes more than $133 million to the state’s economy and more than $24 million in wages, according to the Michigan Brewers Guild.
tFor more information about the new laws, visit legislature.michigan.gov.
