I heard from the folks at Free the Hops earlier today (thanks Casey) that their efforts have almost paid off. The Alabama State Senate today passed HB373, which would allow beer that’s above 6% a.b.v. to be sold in Alabama. That’s terrific news for the beer lovers of the state. There’s now only one remaining step for the bill to become law, and that’s for the Governor to sign it.
If you live in the state of Alabama, you can help “encourage the Governor to sign [the] bill.” From the Free the Hops blog:
That’s why we’re asking everyone in the state who values personal freedom and who thinks the Alabama government should stop telling us which beers are ok to drink and which ones we can’t handle to contact Governor Riley immediately. By phone, fax, or email, whatever works best for you.
If you can help, see how at the Free the Hops blog, where there are specific instructions on how to reach the Governor’s office by phone, fax or e-mail.
If you want to know what they were up against, here’s a representative example by Democrat Alvin Holmes who is in the state house, representing the 78th District, which is Montgomery (the state capital).
I spoke with some of the guys and gals of free the hops at Dark Lord Day and was quite sympathetic to their cause.
Interesting video…Holme’s reasoning is quite egocentric.
I am happy to add West Virginia (We actually beat Alabama!)to the list of states that have recently “popped the cap”… HB2713 was signed into law by Governor James Manchin on April 30th. This bill raises the legal alcohol limit of non-intoxication beer from 6%abv to 12%abv. I am really glad it’s going to be “non-intoxicating” beer; fancy a session of Celebrator anyone?
Correction: It was HB-2719