In 1998, a number of Arizona breweries formed the Arizona Craft Brewers Guild, a not-for-profit 501(c)(6). Guild members went to the Arizona state legislature in early 2015 to enact SB 1030, also known as the Arizona Beer Bill.
The bill proposed several improvements to current regulations and the removal of some arbitrary regulations potentially impeding growth of Arizona’s fast growing craft brewing industry. Fortunately, the bill was signed into law and goes into effect midnight, Friday, July 3, 2015.
One of the most immediately noticeable changes stemming from SB 1030 is that it allows breweries with a Series 3 liquor license to carry one another’s beers on tap, enabling them to support one another’s products, supplement their brewhouse tap lists, and sell collaboration brews that breweries frequently create together.
Including a foreign brewer’s beer in a taproom helps a brewery who’s demand for beer is higher than their production capacity and prevents empty taps when they run out of their own beer. SB 1030 also allows for a brewery to supplement their menu by adding styles that they themselves do not brew. For instance, a brewery that doesn’t make an IPA can sell another’s to provide a more complete beer menu.
Members of the 70-brewery strong guild, are celebrating the passage of the bill via social media with virtual toasts at midnight Thursday and with festivities across the state this weekend. Locally you can take part in multiple celebrations of the law’s passage.
Pueblo Vida Brewing is hosting an SB 1030 Celebration Party featuring their Blanche de Ventana collaboration brew created with Dragoon Brewing and 1055 Brewing from midnight to 2am. Give Me Beerdom or Give Me Death Pub Crawl organized by Borderlands Brewing kicks off Friday, July 3 from 7pm to 11pm.
Bisbee’s Beast Brewing will celebrate by adding Barrio and Thunder Canyon beers to their July 4th Lobster Fest. 1912 Brewing will host a grand opening celebration on July 4th from noon to 10pm featuring guest tap beers from Mother Road Brewing.
Tucson’s Give Me Beerdom or Give Me Death Pub Crawl participants will need to meet at Borderlands on Friday, July 3 from 7pm to 11pm, purchase $5 wristbands and route maps which give them discounts at Tap & Bottle, Good Oak Bar, Borderlands Brewing, Empire Pizza & Pub, Reilly Craft Pizza & Drink, Thunder Canyon Brewery Downtown, Barrio Cuisine, and Pueblo Vida Brewing Company during the crawl.
For more on the Guild and what the passage of SB 1030 means, visit CraftBeerAZ.com.
