E-Malt.com News article: USA, MI: Governor signs legislation to help breweries in Michigan

Michigan is gaining a reputation as one of the premier beer making states in the nation. But an old state law was putting a cap on how much beer could be made, WZZM reported on December, 26.

Until just a few days ago when Governor Snyder signed legislation removing the limit for the amount of beer produced in a year, making it easier for a brewery to keep a second business.

Bottoms are up at Bell's Brewery. From very humble beginnings, the local beer-maker is now ready for a multi-million dollar expansion.

"We're the largest brewery in the state," says John Mallett, Bell's Brewery production manager.

It's in large part thanks to a new state law, which removes a limit for beer production per year.

"We could not make more than 200, 000 barrels of beer," says Mallett.

Previously, if a brewery went over the limit it would not be allowed to run a restaurant or bar as well.

"We'd have to decide to stop brewing beer, probably not going to happen, or close this faciilty," says Mallett.

Instead, both the cafe and brewery stay open, and the company plans on adding between 50 and 60 jobs.

"This law benefits us because it allows us to keep creating great jobs in Kalamazoo," says Mallett.


30 December, 2011