Driving across US/Canada border with growlers

Discussion in 'Beer Talk' started by Dreadnaught1107, Mar 26, 2013.

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  1. Dreadnaught1107

    Dreadnaught1107 Initiate (0) Apr 17, 2012 Canada (BC)

    Anyone have any experience with this? Is it legal? Heading down to Seattle this weekend and looking to bring back a growler or two. Wondering if I will have any issues at the border with "open liquor in a vehicle" questions. Is there a way to prove they are sealed and not being consumed in the car? Are they treated as just a "big bottle" of beer so to speak, or is there more to it than that?

    Thanks in advance, and I apologize if this has been answered before, my search turned up nothing.
     
    #1 Dreadnaught1107, Mar 26, 2013
  2. phooky

    phooky Initiate (0) Jan 23, 2010 New York

    I've traveled over the border with open liquor bottles in the past. Taped the open caps with lots of duct tape and the border agents were more than satisfied. I'd imagine the same would work for growlers. Good luck.
     
    #2 phooky, Mar 26, 2013
  3. PapaGoose03

    PapaGoose03 Grand High Pooh-Bah (6,057) May 30, 2005 Michigan
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah

    I have not tried it with growlers, but I think you'll be okay if you put 'em in your trunk. Make sure that you declare them in case you become the subject of a search. I don't think border agents like finding undeclared surprises.

    Also, some state laws require a seal to be placed on the growler before it leaves the brewery, but I don't know Washington's law on that. Maybe any brewery is set up to do it if you request sealing.
     
    #3 PapaGoose03, Mar 26, 2013
  4. Ivegotmule

    Ivegotmule Initiate (0) Nov 7, 2012 North Carolina

    Ask at the brewery before you buy it! They are sure to have been asked before.
     
    #4 Ivegotmule, Mar 26, 2013
  5. frazbri

    frazbri Initiate (0) Oct 29, 2003 Ohio

    I've brought growlers into Canada many times without issue. Just be honest, and as long as you're not bringing a whole boatload of beer across, it shouldn't be a problem.
     
    #5 frazbri, Mar 26, 2013
  6. jimctin

    jimctin Initiate (0) Jun 11, 2009 Canada (ON)

    I have brought many across. Never an issue. I just let the border agent know how much I am bringing across and cross my fingers.
     
    #6 jimctin, Mar 26, 2013
  7. ericj551

    ericj551 Pooh-Bah (1,638) Apr 29, 2004 Canada (AB)
    Pooh-Bah

    I've never done growlers but I have transported open liquor bottles before. Just make sure they're in the trunk and well out of reach, as long as you haven't been drinking it would be a huge stretch to give you trouble for it.
     
    #7 ericj551, Mar 26, 2013
  8. juliusseizure

    juliusseizure Initiate (0) Feb 11, 2009 New York

    They only care about how many litres and no open containers.
     
    #8 juliusseizure, Mar 26, 2013
  9. Dreadnaught1107

    Dreadnaught1107 Initiate (0) Apr 17, 2012 Canada (BC)

    Thanks guys, appreciate the responses.
     
    #9 Dreadnaught1107, Mar 27, 2013
  10. sirsteve42

    sirsteve42 Maven (1,299) Jan 15, 2009 New York

    Crossing tomorrow ill let you know!
     
    #10 sirsteve42, Mar 28, 2013
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