Reform on Tap Task Force

Reform on Tap Task Force #1

craft beer, , ,

Peter Franchot, the Comptroller of Maryland, has an ambitious vision – revise the antiquated Maryland beer laws. Last Wednesday at Johns Hopkins University, he led 40 panelists in the first of a series of meetings known as “Reform on Tap”. 

During that first Task Force gathering, a group of experts gave an overview of beer in Maryland, from the past until today. That group included:

  • Jeffrey Kelly, Director of Field Enforcement, Comptroller of Maryland,
  • Pete Johnson, Manager, State, and Regulatory Affairs; Brewers Association, Boulder, Co,
  • Keven Atticks, Executive Director, Brewers Association of Maryland,
  • Allison Burr-Livingstone, Executive Vice-President of Public Affairs; Visit Baltimore,
  • The Honorable Jacob R. Day; Mayor, City of Salisbury.
Kevin Atticks, Exec. Director, BAM
Kevin Atticks, Exec. Director of BAM speaks about Maryland craft beer economics

You can learn more about this session by clicking on the Reform on Task Force Facebook page. Or better yet, watch the entire first meeting of the Reform on Tap Task Force.

The 2 hours flew by for this attention challenged blogger. Here are a few highlights.

Hamilton Owens, editor of the Baltimore re-nicknamed Maryland as the “Free State”. In 1923, Georgia Congressman William D. Upshaw denounced Maryland as a traitor to the Union for refusing to pass a State enforcement act. (Maryland was the only state not to pass one). Mr. Owens wrote an editorial entitled “The Maryland Free State,” subtly arguing that Maryland should secede from the Union rather than prohibit the sale of liquor.

Saloons were limited to selling beer from only one brewery. Breweries would contract nearby taverns forcing competition and higher beer sales at cheaper and cheaper prices. At the peak, there was one brewery for every 150 to 200 Americans.

None of the Maryland’s neighboring states have taproom barrel limits.

It was reported that 441 people were watching the meeting live via Facebook. Peter Franchot commented that for the Maryland Board of Public Works bi-weekly meetings draw between 8 and 9 Facebook users causing the room to erupt in laughter.

Maryland’s brewing industry puts $925 million each year back into the State’s economy.

Maryland-made beer comprises 9% of Maryland beer consumption. Craft friendly states like North Carolina, Colorado, and California consume 15-18 percent in their states.

Julie Verratti, Co-Founder, and Director of Business Development, Denizens Brewing Company mentioned the March 2016 The Atlantic article, Craft Breweries: No, I’m Not Kidding, They Actually Matter in Civic Development! It’s worth a read.

Next meeting is scheduled for June 7th, 3-5 PM at the Calvert Brewing Company, located at 15850 Commerce Court in Upper Marlboro. You can also use Facebook to watch the proceedings live.

Cheers!

Warren