Politics & Government

Suwanee May Regulate At-Home Brewing Events

A local ordinance is being considered because of a state law that was co-sponsored by a Gwinnett legislator.

Suwanee officials are pondering a new ordinance for at-home malt-beverage brewing events, prompted by state legislation.

According to city documents, the ordinance would be patterned after House Bill 99, which was passed by the Georgia General Assembly in May 2013. State Rep. Brett Harrell of Snellville was a co-sponsor of the state bill.

The city ordinance is still in draft form, and has gotten a review by City Council members. Some highlights:

  • Anyone holding a home-brew special event must apply for a permit with the city at least 72 hours in advance of the event. Permits would cost $50;
  • Events could only be held during legal on-premises drinking hours for malt beverages;
  • Consumption of alcoholic beverages other than home-brewed malt beverages in the designated event area would be prohibited;
  • Sale to the general public at the event would be prohibited;
  • Open container laws for motor vehicles still apply.
Also, a home-brew special event could not be held in a premise that is otherwise licensed to sell alcoholic beverages, including wine and distilled spirits.

The soonest that Suwanee council officials could vote on a local ordinance regarding home-brew malt-beverage events would be Dec. 17. However, no agenda yet has been released for that meeting.

-- What do you think about such an ordinance being adopted in Suwanee? Tell us in the comments below.







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