Fort Worth Weekly article on Rahr Brewing and Parity Bill

Here is the article from Fort Worth Weekly about Rahr & Sons and the parity bill working through the legislature. They even quoted me!

In related news, I got this email from Tony Formby of Rahr & Sons:

We have another project for you, equally as dangerous, should you decide to accept its time to call Fort Worth Rep. Charlie Geren. Mr. Geren sits on two critical committees in the legislature that a bill important to Texas brewers is currently in front of. We very much need his vote on both committees for the bill to advance.

The bill is HB 2094. If passed, it will allow Texas breweries to sell tours at their breweries that include packaged beer to take home. The extra revenue this measure will produce for local brewers will help Texas brewers compete and market their products here at home.

We aren’t asking for special treatment, just parity with other brewers in the US who can sell their beer at their breweries in their home states and who ship their beer into our Texas market. See this week’s edition of the Fort Worth weekly for more information on the issue www.fwweekly.com

To our knowledge Rep. Geren of Fort Worth is uncommitted. This is because there are powerful forces lined up on the opposing side of this bill.

Please call Mr. Geren’s office in Austin and voice your support for HB 2094. I am told if enough of you phone it will have an impact. His phone number is (512) 463-0610. If you are from Fort Worth please mention that as well.

Many thanks for all your support!

PS We just kegged a Victory lap batch of IRON THISTLE Scotch Ale - it will be at pubs, bars and restaurants this weekend and next week!

Tony Formby

If you love beer, call Representative Geren, and your own representative to let them know you support HB 2049.