Senate committee hears arguments for and against limited brewery self-distribution in SB 456

The Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee heard testimony Tuesday on Senate Bill 456, a proposal that would remove a 288‑ounce off‑premise malt‑beverage cap and allow small breweries to self‑distribute up to 1,000 barrels per year to retailers within the county where the brewery is located. Chairman Collisert opened the hearing and said the session was for testimony only.

Sponsor Senator Bearden framed the measure as a targeted fix for small brewers. He said the bill ‘‘does nothing more than help our neighbors and small businesses’’ and noted states including North Carolina and Tennessee allow greater self‑distribution flexibility. Bearden pointed to Section 3, which would permit local sales capped at 1,000 barrels and remove the statutory 288‑ounce limit on off‑premise sales.

Small brewers and trade groups urged the committee to advance the bill. Spencer Nicks, cofounder and CEO of Reformation Brewery, told senators his company produces about 4,000 barrels…