Licensed to Brew?

We’re seeing a disturbing, growing trend in the craft beer scene: homebrewers operating like licensed brewers. By this we mean people who are pouring at festivals, bars and other events; bottling and distributing samples; and promoting their “brand” as though they’re a licensed brewer.

Without the proper state or federal permits and licenses, these homebrewers are breaking the law. And to make things worse, some websites list homebrewers and their beers side by side with commercial brewers, creating confusion for the consumer and falsely legitimizing the homebrewers. Even we have had to remove entries from BeerAdvocate.com when consumers have added homebrewers to our database, including some who had their beers rated at beer fests, bars and other tasting events.

We get the passion and excitement to join the craft beer scene, but that doesn’t make ignorance of laws and regulations OK. Bypassing those steps is an insult to the thousands of other brewers who had to bust their asses to ensure their businesses are legit. Not to mention the potential harm caused to the beer community by drawing the wrong kind of attention from the government, which in some states is still not wholly supportive of the craft beer movement. Acting illicitly also puts these homebrewers, and those serving their beers, at great risk.

So to all of you aspiring pro-brewers out there: Exercise due diligence, get a clue, and get licensed to brew before you serve to the public.

Respect Beer. ■