Free the Hops
Tomorrow, Alabama Senate Bill No. 132 goes up for vote. Locals know it as the “Free the Hops” Bill, because of the non-profit grassroots movement behind it. It’s a very big deal around here. A bill was introduced into both the House and the Senate to raise the state alcohol limit to 13.9%. The redundancy gives the supporters more chance to get their legislation passed, and is a fairly common tactic. The House version passed last week, as did a similar bill to update wine laws.
In general, I dislike beer. I don’t drink it, mostly because of the taste. I’m sure FTH supporters would suggest that maybe that’s because I live in Alabama and have never tasted good beer. Still, I have no particular interest in this legislation on the surface. Furthermore, I find it a bit aggravating how well educated the general population is about this piece of legislation, especially in a city where our illustrious Mayor Langford ignores reality and no one bats an eye. Many generally don’t bother to inform themselves on local issues, but everyone has heard of Free the Hops.
I really should pay more attention, though.
Alabama is losing revenue due to the restrictions on the free trade of alcohol. Brewing in Alabama is extremely difficult to profit from due to antiquated laws. Tourism dollars are being lost. Allowing beers to be sold here that people have been buying when they go to Georgia would obviously help the local economy. My Father-in-law was mentioning the other day that whenever someone leaves for Georgia or Kentucky, he sends some money for a few bottles of Madeira because it isn’t sold locally due to alcohol content. And of course, he uses it for cooking. ( He prefers ouzo for serious drinking.)
Freedom, even in areas that hold little interest to me, is always worth pursuing. Our alcohol content limits are really a small scale version of Prohibition, and that was really about legislating morality. The arguments against loosening restrictions on alcohol content usually come down to preventing drunk driving and underage drinking, which are covered by existing laws anyway. The grassroots campaign for the cause has been highly effective, with a massive viral marketing and education push. To see the public take interest in anything political is always encouraging, especially when the public is pushing for less government involvement. What can be learned from this campaign that can be carried over into more urgent issues?
Incredibly well-said. Unfortunately the bill didn’t get voted on yesterday but with any luck it’ll happen within the next couple of weeks! You’re also right about the whole not-liking-beer thing. To me saying, “I don’t like beer” is like saying, “I don’t like movies.” You probably just haven’t seen the right movie.
Hopefully one day soon, I’ll get to take all sorts of recommendations on what a truly good beer is.
Good to see you around these parts, Apollo.