we are on our way back to VA to visit my dad, but plan to make a couple stops in PA and MD. I know the Virginia alcohol laws are real strict and we can't bring our AZ beers to breweries there, but what about PA and MD. Are their laws less strict. We have had no problems bringing beer to OR and CA and we'd like to share ours. Thanks for your help!
I'm confused, why are you bringing other brewers beers to a local brewery? To share with the owners/staff? If giving a donation beer to the brewer/owner to share, I've seen some people do that at one small breweries in MD. One owner even displays empty bottles and cans people have donated and shared on site.
When Founders had not yet made it into MD, I would frequently bring one of their brews to Union Craft for the staff to share. Was not told that it was a problem, but then again, they didn't pop it open right then and there either. PA law doesn't allow beers not registered into the state legally. Most likely if strictly interpreted, if the beer wasn't purchased in PA, it wouldn't be allowed either. Last statement is just my supposition, not for sure a fact.
In my experience, most places in MD/PA will not have an issue if you'd like to crack open a beer or 2 to share with staff/other patrons. We do it regularly at Max's in Bmore and at lots of places in PA. Just let the staff know you're from out of town and have some beers you'd like to share. If it's not ok they'll let you know, not like you'll get in trouble for asking.
Great, thanks for the replies. hubby and i frequently go to CAand OR and always bring either local beer or beer that they cant get there locally with brewers (or untappd friends or local meetup groups). we learned that from a brewer years ago and is always well received and appreciated. there is no one more appreciative than a fellow beer fan. ;0) We are meeting friends in DC, but will have extras to give. Then of course we have room to bring stuff back with us for our beer exchange parties.
I've seen more than one PA brewery open non-distributed out-of-state beer brought in by a guest (sometimes another brewer) and share it on the sly amongst themselves and select guests. Worth asking first but as DrBier mentions above it will likely be approved and warmly received.
