[IBU] FW: FW: Craft Beer in Iowa

[Mark McAndrews]

Here's the letter I sent to my senator and rep. The attachment I refer to is 
the post on BA from Larry Bell explaining that he just can't do business 
with the state.





___________________________________________

Representative Ray Zirkelbach is proposing changes to the definition of beer 
in the Iowa code. I believe the proposal will raise the allowable % of 
alcohol in beer.



I believe Iowa’s definition of beer is outdated when viewed in the context 
of the revolution in brewing that is happening across America. The variety 
and quality of beers available has exploded in the past 2 decades giving 
America the most diverse beer culture we have ever seen.



Unfortunately, the richness of this developing culture is limited in Iowa. 
Any beers with an alcohol content in excess of 5% alcohol are classified as 
intoxicating liquor and must be wholesaled through the state warehouse 
rather than being handled by a beer distributor. Some beer styles that have 
been brewed in Europe for hundreds of years and are being brewed by the 
growing craft brewers in America are not available in Iowa. New styles being 
invented and refined in the US likewise are not available either.



The state warehouse system was not designed to handle beer as it was not 
contemplated when it was devised. Without the proper facilities and 
distribution system to handle beer, the choice available to the retailer and 
thus the consumer is limited. I’ve attached a post to a web site by the 
president of Bells Brewing explaining to Iowa customers why some of their 
beers are no longer available in Iowa.



Iowa is blessed with some wonderful brewers at micro breweries and brew pubs 
around the state who are also limited by this definition. They showcase 
their talents very well currently, but I’d love to sample their efforts with 
this limitation relaxed.



Some may argue there will be a loss of revenue to the state by making this 
change in definition. The picture is unclear to me. While the tax rate will 
be reduced on these beers the increased availability could easily increase 
the volume of sales. The aficionados of these beers currently have to seek 
them out when traveling to other states – I can recommend great beer stores 
in Omaha, Kansas City, Chicago, St. Louis and the Twin Cities. I’d rather 
buy these beers from my local retailers, they simply are not available.



Some will also argue this has the potential to increase the frequency of 
DUI. The strength of the beverage should not argue for that since there will 
still be many stronger beverages available. Further, these beers tend to be 
rich, complex beers that are more likely sipped and savored than quaffed 
like the mass market beers promoted by bikini clad twentysomethings.



Should this bill make it to a vote, I urge you to vote in favor of it.



Sincerely,



Mark McAndrews

2601 49th Street

Des Moines, Ia