Brock Wagner, the Saint Arnold founder, said allowing small breweries to sell on site would build brand awareness and could actually increase sales at groceries, liquor stores and bars. “We are not trying to compete with the retailers or our distributors,” he said.  If you could take a six-pack home, people would be more likely to remember the style they liked the next time they go to the store. Or they could share with a friend, who might also then buy the beer. Also As it is now, when the tour is over, the brewery can’t legally sell anything stronger than root beer. Imagine touring Becker or Flatcreek Vineyards and being told you couldn’t take home one of the bottles you liked. Farrar agreed that a law change would boost tourism. “Having this allows a visitor to the brewery to have a more complete experience,” she said.

What does that mean for us Austinites and the rest of Texas?  This would be a huge win for the ‘little guys if this passes and hopefully a better way for our favorite breweries  to tell us what is going on when they release a new beer and where to get it!  Until this law changes please continue to ask for Live Oak, Independence , Saint Arnolds and 512Brewery at your favorite bar and restaurant.  Also give your rep a call and let them know that you are in favor of HB 2094 and you want him/her to say step off to the distributor's lobbyists!  For more information on the bill please visit www.legis.state.tx.us.com and search for HB 2094.