HR3218 is on the governor’s desk. Opposition is not expected, so SC brewers finally have creative freedom and customers finally have more choice. Everyone wins here, even though we’ll miss our regulars from Greenville. (We’re sure that good beer won’t keep you from the mountains.)

Now if only our dear friends in Alabama could get good beer. Their proposal narrowly missed passing the preliminary Budget Isolation Resolution, which is needed for a bill to hit the floor. If Rep. Laird has anything to do with it, he’d happilly take Bama back to full Prohilbition. Even a pastor has weighed-in on Laird’s faulty logic and sent him a “tsk-tsk” letter:

Dear Rep Laird, I am a native Alabamian and have been following the debate in Alabama regarding Gourmet Beer. I am not writing to try and persuade you to change your position, but after listening to a recording of your remarks on the floor in opposition to this bill, I do ask, as a Pastor, that you would refrain from misusing the Bible to support your opposition to this Bill.

Contrary to your remarks on the floor, the Bible is NOT in opposition to alcohol any more than it is in opposition to money, food, or sex—all of which have proper and improper uses. I know that you feel that your opposition to this bill is indeed a righteous cause, but equating Prohibition with biblical law as you do is a misappropriation of God’s word. Certainly, if you claim to be a Christian, the Bible should inform your public policy positions, but when you choose to speak for God in ways that he has not spoken, you are violating the 3rd Commandment and are undermining the Bible’s authority.

If you think that you should oppose this bill, then do so, but I implore you not to manipulate Scripture to support your position. And, incidentally, if you oppose this bill for moral reasons, you should also begin a moral crusade to outlaw wine and all forms of hard liquor on the same grounds.

-rev. brian prentiss
Associate Pastor – [name omitted] Presbyterian Church

Vermont’s House also voted to raise their 8.0% ABV restrictions.

Source: Pop The Cap SC / Free The Hops / Bennington Banner