Growing up in Birmingham, I have gotten used to Alabama being a bit behind the curve on many issues, such as racist language in its constitution and obesity rates. But I love my state in spite of its faults.
Still, I can’t understand why some leaders in Alabama have dug in their heels to resist the legalization of homebrewing. Despite the fact that Alabama is the only state to criminalize the practice, previous attempts to legalize homebrewing have failed. During this legislative session, the State House’s consideration of HB 9, the latest attempt to legalize homebrewing, saw fierce resistance from state representatives who forced a lengthy debate before passage.
This opposition represents a baffling departure from Alabama’s proud heritage. It is our state that still celebrates its moonshining history through NASCAR and resists healthcare law changes under the banner of personal liberty. Alabama’s motto is even “We Dare Defend Our Rights.”
Beyond heritage, legalizing homebrewing simply makes sense. Or, more appropriately, keeping it illegal makes absolutely no sense.
The major arguments against homebrewing seem limited to hyperbolic fear-mongering about the return of bootlegging and unsubstantiated claims about health risks of brewing at home. The first argument completely ignores the bill’s production limits, sale prohibition and the high cost of homebrewing, while the second disregards the reality that no health issues have been seen in the 49 states that actually allow the hobby to be practiced.
In short, these arguments do not justify the reality that classifying homebrewing as a felony is a denial of a personal right, something that should not be taken lightly.
Homebrewing is, above all else, a hobby. It is a craft that enthusiasts dedicate countless hours and resources to perfecting the right brew. They can talk for hours about tweaking the process to produce different flavors, aromas, bites and textures. It is not an avenue for illegally getting rich, nor will it flood the state’s streets with beer. To assume so is insulting.
If the only arguments against it are hollow moral platitudes and fallacy-ridden appraisals about Al Capone’s return, then Alabama is clearly suffering from a case of governmental overreach.
In fact, the only real implication for individuals is that they will not have to buy the mass-produced, watered-down excuses for beer that currently dominate the market. Instead, they can embrace a higher quality beer that, given the effort taken to produce it, would most definitely discourage binging.
The potential benefits of legalization are not limited to Alabama’s citizens; the state also stands to gain from it. Homebrewing would provide an infusion of talent into Alabama’s growing craft brewing industry, which has seen triple digit increases in growth annually for the past three years.
Most craft brewers began to master the art while homebrewing. By legalizing this practice, the state can encourage further participation and in doing so, open the floodgates that will develop a blooming industry, create jobs in Alabama and enhance our state’s economic recovery.
If the recent debate over the Accountability Act is the judge, Alabama has plenty of complex issues to work through. Fortunately, homebrewing is not one of them. The solution has already been found by every other state.
Alabama has the opportunity to take a proud step forward into the future. As long as we allow demagogues in the state capitol to oversee this massive governmental overreach, our state will have yet another black mark on its record. It is time for Alabama to reclaim its legacy as a fierce defender of its citizens’ rights and legalize homebrewing.
John Brinkerhoff is the Opinion Editor of the Crimson White. His column runs weekly.
