Hmm... I guess I better revisit my labelling prowess... Where's ibasterd when you need him?!?The Homebrew bill affirmatively provides that no license or permit shall be required for the possession, transportation or storage of homemade beer and places no cap on the amount of homebrew possessed/transported/stored so long as the quantity of beer made in a calendar year does not exceed 100 gallons (for one member households) or 200 gallons (for two+ member households). However, homebrewers should note that homebrew that is transported outside of your residence must “be clearly identified as homemade beer.”
Of course, there were some tradeoffs and compromises. Unfortunately, the law as it is currently implemented only applies to low-grav beer currently defined as not exceeding 5% alcohol by weight (6.3% Abv). On January 1, 2017, with the revised definition of beer becoming effective from the prior legal efforst, the Homebrew bill will apply to beer not exceeding 8% alcohol by weight (10.3% Abv).The restriction on serving homebrew outside of the maker’s home was also lifted by the Homebrew bill. Homemade beer may be consumed (a) at any private residence or (b) other private location where the possession and consumption of beer is permissible. Moreover, the exhibition, demonstration, judging, tastings, contest, competition or sampling of homebrew may be held at any private residence or licensed premises. No fee may be charged to consume homebrew but an entrance fee may be charged for an “exhibition, contest, or competition.” If a homebrew event is being held at a permitted premise, the homebrew must be stored separate from any other alcoholic beverages and must be clearly identified as homebrew.
All in all, great news for the TN homebrew scene. We can get back to being able to serve homebrew at festivals, we can make a run at getting the AHA, and we can not worry about getting arrested for taking our beer out of our home. Sounds great to me...
