At present, District of Columbia law allows for out of state breweries to open up taprooms in the city–most recently Voodoo Brewing out of Pennsylvania has taken advantage of this, and Virginia’s Aslin has as well–but DC breweries are not afforded the same options. Councilmember David Grosso intends to change that. He’s introduced the “Manufacturer’s Satellite Taverns Amendment Act of 2019,” which would permit District-based breweries, cideries, distilleries, and wineries to open up to two additional taprooms that are non-production facilities. This legislation would clear the way for tasting rooms elsewhere in the District, and as many alcohol production facilities are in light industrial-zoned areas, companies are eager to sell products in denser areas of the city. “For us, the idea of having a D.C. Brau retail store down in Gallery Place, or a D.C. Brau stand in Union Market sounds so exciting,” said Brandon Skall, CEO and Co-Founder of D.C. Brau, in an interview with WTOP.
As such, the District of Columbia Brewers’ Guild is urging the Council Committee on Business and Economic Development to schedule a public hearing on this bill post haste, and seeks the full support of the Council. Per a press release from the Guild,
Justin Cox, DCBG Secretary and Founder & CEO of Atlas Brew Works, noted “This legislation is a great opportunity to level the playing field for District based breweries and bring D.C.’s licensing scheme more in line with other jurisdictions across the country that support their local brewing culture.”
As this bill progresses through the Council, DCBeer will keep you updated.
Second, H Street’s Craft Beer Cellar store will be selling crowlers, effective Wednesday, March 27th, at 6:30pm. Prior to last year, DC law viewed crowlers as a separate entity from growlers, which are treated as reusable containers. CBC owner Erika Goedrich testified before a Council subcommittee and worked with Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen to update the law to include crowlers, which took effect late last year. CBC will fill 16 ounce crowlers, starting with Charles Towne Fermentory, Fine Creek (VA), Ocelot, and RAR. They’ll post updates on Untappd.
