The IBG’s Jake Simmons (Backpocket Brewing Company), President Dave Ropte (515 Brewing Company) and Minister J. Wilson advocated on behalf of Iowa brewers at the Capitol in February.
An Iowa Brewers Guild (IBG) initiative has resulted in Gov. Terry Branstad signing SF125 into law on April 24 to allow Iowa brewpub license holders to sell into out-of-state markets.
“This law change really evens the playing field for Iowa’s brewpub license holders,” said IBG Minister of Iowa Beer J. Wilson. “Streamlining the process for these breweries to distribute their beer out-of-state will help them to grow their businesses and add jobs.”
The law replaces language that limited brewpub sales to in-state wholesalers for over a dozen Iowa brewpubs, allowing the growing craft brewers to expand their businesses into out-of-state markets.
The Iowa craft brewing industry has doubled since 2010, with over nearly 60 breweries now operating in Iowa while another two dozen are in the planning stages. The Iowa craft beer industry growth mirrors a nationwide trend that reflects in double-digit sales growth for five years in a row, according to the Brewers Association. The new law allows Iowa to compete on a more level playing field, sending beer from its brewpubs around the region.
Backpocket Brewing Company owner/brewmaster Jake Simmons led the effort on SF125 in conjunction with Senors Bob Dvorsky and Brian Schoenjahn, along with Representatives Dave Jacoby and Ken Rizer. “It is good to see the system come together and work to improve the business climate for small breweries,” said Simmons.
The bill met with widespread support, receiving unanimous approval in both the house and senate.
