Home Brewers Bill Passes Mo. Senate

Legislation that would allow home brewers to bring home-made beer to festivals has passed the Missouri Senate. 

If passed, home brewers could give away free samples to guests at beer festivals and tastings, but would not be allowed to sell them.  The sponsor, GOP Senator Eric Schmitt of St. Louis County, says an emergency clause was added so that home brewers can take part in this year’s Brewer’s Heritage Festival in St. Louis.

“They had been admitted in the past, but because they’re not specifically allowed under the law, (they) were denied last year...that festival is in June, so if we didn’t have an emergency clause they would be barred from participating again," said Schmitt.

The bill also contains provisions that would expand the number of excursion boats on Table Rock Lake that can serve alcohol, allow liquor to be sold on trains while they’re stopped, and expand the hours alcohol can be served at bowling alleys.