USA, ID: Idaho Senate approves lifting restrictions on Idaho brewers building second brewery

State senators voted 33-0 to approve lifting restrictions on Idaho brewers building a second brewery or owning a bar, The Republic reported on March, 1.

Republican Sen. Shawn Keough of Sandpoint says the change would help promote economic growth and create up to 25 new jobs. Her measure is aimed at brewers who produce fewer than 30,000 barrels of beer a year.

The bill now moves onto the Idaho House.

Fred Colby is among Idaho brewers seeking the change. He owns Laughing Dog Brewery in Ponderay, the second-largest microbrewery in the state, and has said that he was forced to renounce his stake in a Post Falls brewery because his partners couldn't obtain a state permit due to his co-ownership

Idaho has more than 20 breweries, and three more are set to open in 2012.

02 March, 2012