impur Posted February 9, 2011 Share Posted February 9, 2011 http://oregonhomebrewersalliance.org/ The beginning of the end of homebrew prohibition is at hand. The fix, SB 444, is making its way through the Legislature. But to get this done, and to get it done quickly, we need as many homebrewers, homebrew clubs, homebrew supply shops, professional brewers and other supporters to let the folks in Salem know we want them to vote for this bill. We want you to write letters, but we also need something compact but impressive to show we have a lot of people, businesses and organizations behind us. All we need to do that is your name. If you support this bill (and we sure hope you do), just let us know. Send us an e-mail telling us you want this bill passed, tell us your name, the name of your club, business or organization and where you’re at and we’ll add you to a list we’ll present to legislators to let them know who has our back. We hope to have separate lists of clubs, businesses, organizations and individuals who want this passed. But you don’t have to be a homebrewer or member of the homebrew community to support this bill. Anyone who appreciates the ability to pursue our hobbies and other interests in a responsible way without government supervision or interference in invited to sign on. We appreciate your help. Send an e-mail to any of the OHBA organizers and we’ll get you on the list. The organizers are: Ted Hausotter, ted@oregonhomebrewersalliance.org Denny Conn, denny@oregonhomebrewersalliance.org Chris Hummert, chris@oregonhomebrewersalliance.org Greg Bolt, greg@oregonhomebrewersalliance.org Or you can email our State representatives: Sen. Lee Beyer, Chair sen.suzannebonamici@state.or.us Capitol Phone: 503-986-1706 Sen. Jason Atkinson, Vice-Chair sen.jasonatkinson@state.or.us Capitol Phone: 503-986-1703 District Phone: 541-282-6502 Sen. Ginny Burdick sen.ginnyburdick@state.or.us Capitol Phone: 503-986-1718 Sen. Chris Edwards sen.chrisedwards@state.or.us Capitol Phone: 503-986-1707 Sen. Fred Girod sen.fredgirod@state.or.us Capitol Phone: 503-986-1709 District Phone: 503-769-4321 Sen. Bruce Starr sen.brucestarr@state.or.us Capitol Phone: 503-986-1715 District Phone: 503-352-0922 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mattv Posted February 9, 2011 Share Posted February 9, 2011 I am just getting started and now this? Boy I must have a dark cloud above me, Clay and I were going to do some collecting in Hawaii but now that might be out too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
impur Posted February 9, 2011 Author Share Posted February 9, 2011 Last year the OLCC decided to re-interpret the wording in the laws that regulate home brewing/wine making. The bottom line is that a recent interpretation of the law restricts homebrew to the home where it was brewed; no competitions, no club tastings, no family picnics. The problem is the law, not the agencies that enforce it. We are working on several fronts with the Legislature and other state officials to write a new law that reflects the current practice of homebrewing. So if you came to my house and I gave you one bottle of my newest batch of beer to take home and drink, we both would be breaking the law. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
impur Posted February 9, 2011 Author Share Posted February 9, 2011 The reasons for supporting Senate Bill 444 are simple. It’s the only bill introduced in the Legislature by a homebrewer with input from homebrewers. It’s the only bill that addresses all of the issues raised the OLCC’s narrow interpretation of existing law. And it’s the only bill that will allow homebrewers to do all of the things we thought were legal all along. SB 444 will: ● Eliminate restrictions on the transportation of homebrew ● Eliminate restrictions on where homebrew can be consumed ● Eliminate restrictions on where homebrew can be made ● Allow clubs to charge dues ● Allow entry fees and prizes at competitions ● Allow homebrew to be served at club meetings held at pubs or other licensed premises ● Allow homebrew club members to participate in small-scale professional brewing at pubs ● Allow people who teach homebrewing classes to be paid. SB 444 was written at the direction of Sen. Floyd Prozanski, a longtime homebrewer, who worked with the Oregon Home Brewers Alliance to draft the legislation. It already has 26 co-sponsors, far more than any other bill addressing the same issue. The bill is intended only to restore the privileges that were believed to be in place all along. It is not an attempt to expand the practice of homebrewing beyond the reasonable limits that hobbyists have been observing for at least the past 20 years. And it leaves homebrewers subject to all laws regarding the legal and responsible use of alcohol. It is fair, reasonable and responsible. And although we use the word “homebrew” in descriptions of the bill, it also includes home winemaking and related beverages. We urge all homebrewers and everyone who supports home wine and beermaking to contact their legislators and urge them to support SB 444. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
impur Posted February 9, 2011 Author Share Posted February 9, 2011 double post Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
impur Posted February 22, 2011 Author Share Posted February 22, 2011 SB444 passed the OR Senate unanimously today with no debate! On to the House! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bigjohnwoody Posted February 22, 2011 Share Posted February 22, 2011 Sweet!!! Thanks for the update Miles Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheGooseWhisperer Posted February 22, 2011 Share Posted February 22, 2011 I'll have an extra pint tonight in celebration! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael7979 Posted February 22, 2011 Share Posted February 22, 2011 When does it go up infront of the House? (clap) (drinking) (clap) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
impur Posted February 23, 2011 Author Share Posted February 23, 2011 I'm not yet sure when the House votes on it From http://oregonhomebrewersalliance.org/ Senate clears the way for home brewers, winemakers to share and compete SALEM – The Senate passed legislation this morning that will allow amateur beer and wine makers to share their products outside their homes and to enter amateur competitions. SB 444 was crafted in response to an Attorney General’s opinion that led to the cancellation of amateur homemade beer and wine competitions at the 2010 Oregon State Fair. That cancellation drew significant attention to how homemade beer and wine is treated in Oregon statute. “I was shocked by last year’s ruling. My brew partner was extremely concerned because we brew at my house. Under current law, he would be subject to prosecution for transporting his portion home,” said Senator Floyd Prozanski (D-Eugene), a home brewer since 1987 who has won recognition for his beer. “This bill addresses the problems in this outdated statute and frees the home brew from unnecessary and prohibitive limitations.” As it stands, statute put into law in the 1930s does not allow Oregonians who make homemade wine or beer to transport their beverages for consumption at another private residence. The statute also raises questions about whether receiving a prize at a homebrew competition or paying dues to a club counts as a financial payment for the beverage, which would require a license from the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC). “Current law places an unreasonable limitation on a legitimate and popular hobby,” said Senate Majority Leader Diane Rosenbaum (D-Portland). “Many of Oregon’s famous craft breweries started with people making small batches in their homes. Home brewing and winemaking is part of Oregon’s unique character and this legislation will allow it to continue and grow. SB 444 expands the exemption for homemade beer, wine, and fermented fruit juice from the Liquor Control Act. The bill allows Oregonians to make, keep, store, transport, and consume homemade wine, beer, and fermented fruit juice. SB 444 also allows home brewers and winemakers to pay dues or event admission fees to participate in a club or an organization activity or event that includes tasting of homemade wine, beer, and fermented fruit juice. Additionally, home brewers and winemakers can receive a tax deduction or credit for donating beer, wine, or fermented fruit juice to a nonprofit organization. The bill now goes to the House for consideration. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
impur Posted March 16, 2011 Author Share Posted March 16, 2011 SB 444 passed the OR House today. All that's left is for the governor to sign it and OR will have the best homebrew law in the US! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael7979 Posted March 16, 2011 Share Posted March 16, 2011 Maybe Kitz will sign it soon! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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