December 9, 2011--
The following is an editorial written by State Representative Barb Byrum (D-Onondaga). If you have questions about this commentary, please contact Rep. Byrum's office by calling (517) 373-0587.  

      Upon the signing of Public Act 219 of 2011, Michigan home brewers are now permitted to serve their beer at licensed establishments. The law allows for a group or club composed of home brewers to conduct a meeting and have on-licensed-premise sampling and consumption of the home brewer's beer, wine, mead, honey-based beer, or cider at a brew pub, microbrewery or any establishment that has an on-premises liquor license under the following circumstances:

• The sampling or consumption is for the purpose of exhibitions or competitions involving home brewers.
• The participants are not charged for the sampling or consumption of the product.
• The product made by the home brewer is not sold to members of the general public and is only consumed by home brewer, the home brewer's family, a club member, a judge, or a guest speaker.
• Beer, honey-based beer, or cider is served in portions not to exceed three ounces. Wine or mead is served in portions not to exceed two ounces.
• The participants otherwise comply with applicable state and federal law and applicable regulatory provisions of this act and rules adopted by the Liquor Control Commission under this Act.

   Michigan home brewers are the most ardent supporters of Michigan breweries. By aligning themselves with home brewers, commercial breweries are inspired by the creativity and passion shown by the home brew community. Home Brewers are changing the nature of brewing, and striving to save the world's ancient brewing styles.

         By allowing this relationship between Micro Breweries and home brewers to flourish, the Michigan economy will most certainty benefit from the fruits of their labor. Currently there are over 80 Micro Breweries in Michigan, which ranks fifth in the number of craft beer brewers in the United States. According to a study by the National Beer Wholesalers Association and the Beer Institute, in 2009, Michigan's beer industry directly employed some 3,920 people, paying total wages of $250 million. It is estimated the overall industry contributed $4.9 billion to the state's economy. As Michigan continues to recover from its recent economic woes, it is essential that we create an environment that allows for our state's many entrepreneurs and hobbyists to thrive and succeed.