Free the Hops bill passes
2009 May 14
It’s official – the Gourmet Beer Bill being pushed by Free the Hops has passed the Alabama legislature.
Conflicting reports on whether Sen. Hank Erwin voted for it or just left the chambers. Maybe he left and someone voted for him. If he did vote for it you better hurry and look out your window to watch the pigs flying.
Be sure to contact Gov. Riley and ask him to sign the bill!
More later…
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Not that I’m opposed to FTH, but of all the important bills they could have passed at the end of the session…
Ethics reform comes to mind as one that might possibly be more important.
Erwin was out of the chamber. However, they used a previous roll in which he was on the record for voting “aye” – so technically he did vote for FTH, but on a technicality…
A victory (albeit small) for personal liberty!
*Yawn*
I agree with the Junkie — This bill hardly seems worth the effort. I mean, congrats to the gourmet beer lovers out there, yada, yada. But I just don’t understand pouring (no pun intended) so much effort into a BEER law.
Whatever.
I personally don’t drink the fancy beers that the FTH bill would allow, but here’s why I think the bill is important (not that ethics is any less important – I think my feelings on that are clear). I’m sure you’re familiar with the saying, “No man’s life, liberty, or property are safe while the Legislature is in session.” It’s true. Precious little legislation is aimed at preserving or expanding liberty. Most seek to curtail liberties and take property, which is why we must be eternally vigilant with politicians. But this bill actually expanded liberty. It’s good to support such measures and take back an inch here or there while the legislature incessantly tries to take a foot whenever possible.
Haters. I’ve devoted a large part of my life over the last few years to this cause. I don’t care that much about ethics reform. They’ll just find a way to get around them. But BEER. That’s something I can get motivated about.
Damn… I’ve gotta start blogging again now.
Like the comment on your website Dan, some of us still remember and miss you. In any case, this is a GREAT DAY for Alabama. As someone who loves to try new beer and who at least samples every new beer he comes across, I hope we will see an influx of choice into our market. Again, I could not be more excited.
Yes, you MUST start blogging again Dan. You promised! I see some Phil Poole posts in your future. And you have a lot of catching up to do on the “Troy King’s Greatest Hits” page.
Also, Riley signed a bill today that allows for higher alcohol content wine sales, which bodes well for the FTH bill.
Where is Dan’s blog now? I can’t find it under “Daily Dixie”.
It’s sort of funny, but all the “liquor” bills came up at the same time after Erwin “had to attend a meeting out of chambers”. So… he ended up “voting” AYE on them all based on the previous roll call. That’s a lot of blood on the hands. Lol.
Brian,
Well said sir. I will relish the small victory!
Indeed, it is well worth it if Dan starts blogging again!
Okay. It’s live.