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Rep wants Ohio to allow sale, manufacture of stronger beer
By Marc Kovac
COLUMBUS
A Democratic state lawmaker wants Ohio to allow the manufacture and sale of stronger brews.
State Rep. Dan Ramos, D-Lorain, said alcohol-content limits in current law likely are hampering growth of the beer industry.
He said his House Bill 391 would change that.
“I believe our state is uniquely prepared to handle additional growth and take the lead nationally,” Ramos told members of the House Policy and Legislative Oversight Committee, where the legislation recently had its first hearing. “Especially when we consider the support Ohioans give to this industry already, the readiness of our workforce to produce and move these products across the country and our existing infrastructure. ... All of these benefits mean nothing if brewers have their hands tied by antiquated regulations.”
HB 391 would increase the legally permitted alcohol limit in beer to 21 percent from the current 12 percent.
The legislation would allow manufacturers in Ohio to begin making the stronger brews after the bill takes effect, then open Ohio to sales and distribution one year later.
The bill also would ban the addition of caffeine and other stimulants in beer containing more than 12 percent alcohol by volume. Ramos has worked on comparable legislation for several years.
“Currently, the craft-beer industry in Ohio ranks eighth among all states in economic impact and supports more than 100 breweries and 10,000 jobs,” he said. “We produce more than 1 million barrels of craft beer each year, fourth in the nation, and this industry has a $1.2 billion dollar economic impact for our state.”
He added, “For brewers all over the country, high [allowable alcohol by volume] beers give the opportunity to put their business in a national spotlight — as enthusiasts pursue these unique brews, it gives the opportunity for a small regional brewer to gain exposure in new markets across the nation.”