The craft brewing industry has seen significant growth over the past several years, thanks in part to some smart policy changes by lawmakers at the state Capitol. Unfortunately, Georgia still remains one of the most restrictive states to open and operate a small brewery.
With the challenges of rising costs of goods, materials, and services, supply chain challenges, market shifts and other economic pressures over the past few years, small breweries lack the flexibility they need to thrive, and in some cases, survive. Fair and Open
Access to Market is essential for a small brewery to meet consumer and community demand for their products.
A bill introduced in 2023 would address these issues. The F.O.A.M. Act (Fair and Open Access to Market) would:
With the challenges of rising costs of goods, materials, and services, supply chain challenges, market shifts and other economic pressures over the past few years, small breweries lack the flexibility they need to thrive, and in some cases, survive. Fair and Open
Access to Market is essential for a small brewery to meet consumer and community demand for their products.
A bill introduced in 2023 would address these issues. The F.O.A.M. Act (Fair and Open Access to Market) would:
- Allow for limited self distribution for small brewers. 36 other states currently allow for self distro, and it has been a proven model for helping small breweries serve their local community and consumers and build their brand. Distributors would remain an integral part of getting product to market, especially after a brewery has reached a certain point where traditional distribution channels make sense.
- Reform beer franchise laws in Georgia. Georgia lacks fair franchise laws that govern how a small brewer enters into a relationship with a distributor. Currently, once a brewery agrees to distribute with a certain wholesaler (the ONLY route to market), it is nearly impossible to terminate that agreement or switch distributors. This hampers the ability to adapt to changing market dynamics, negotiate better terms, or explore new partnerships.
- Remove the daily to-go limit of 288 oz. per person. Every bordering state but South Carolina has no limit, or a higher limit. This is an arbitrary limit that limits a small brewer's ability to thrive.
- Allow for direct charitable contributions of beer. It is currently not legal for a local brewery to support their community by donating their product directly to a charitable event for a charitable cause. This is another barrier to small brewers being able to serve their local community. Urgent action is needed to keep this vital industry moving forward. These proposals will give local breweries the flexibility they need to not just survive, but thrive.
