TN Lawmakers Approve Strong Beer Sales at State Breweries

The measure hopes to persuade Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. to establish a $200 million plant, but the bill's sponsor opposes allowing strong beer sales in supermarkets or convenience stores.

May 24, 2011

NASHVILLE, TN ?" The Tennessee House of Representatives voted on Saturday to allow strong beer makers to sell their product at Tennessee breweries, and the measure now goes to the governor for his signature, the Associated Press reports.

The House voted 69-15 to pass the bill, which passed the Senate 28-3 a day earlier. The measure is aimed at persuading Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. to establish a $200 million plant in East Tennessee.

The Chico, California-based brewer said it would not add a presence to Tennessee without changes to its law. It wants the state to allow onsite sales of high-alcohol beer and the sampling of products at a taproom and restaurant that it intends to build alongside any brewery that it establishes in the state.

Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam is expected to sign the measure into law, according to his spokesperson.

Representative Kent Williams voted for the bill though he raised concerns as to how it would effect a separate proposal to allow wine sales in supermarkets.

"We have legislation here every year that allows more availability to minors in grocery stores and convenience stores," Williams said. "And if we pass that legislation I think it would allow this product also."

Representative Curry Todd sponsored the bill and said he opposes allowing wine and strong beer in supermarkets. "You would never see this sponsor bring any kind of legislation to sell high-content beer anywhere else than in the brewery or in the liquor store where it belongs," he said.

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