USA: The Georgia House of Representatives has approved a bill that would raise the maximum alcohol content of what is defined as beer from 6% to 14%, sending the measure to the Senate, Realbeer.com reported. The legislature has twice failed to pass such legislation, but the overwhelming House vote — 125-26 — gives the consumer group Georgians for World Class beer hope the measure will pass this year.

It's good for Georgia businesses, it will help consumer choice and it will raise revenue for the state, Rep. Stephanie Benfield, D-Decatur, told the House. The measure passed after only five minute of discussion, compared to a two-hour debate last year before it was defeated.

10 April, 2003