Forbes: Legislators give N.C. brewers big boost with ‘growler bill,’ big tax breaks

By Patrick Gleason, director of state affairs for Americans for Tax Reform, a Washington D.C.-based advocacy organization founded by Grover Norquist in 1985 at the request of President Ronald Reagan, at Forbes.com:

House Bill 829, known as The Growler Bill, was signed into law by Gov. Pat McCrory (R) this month. This reform amends state law to allow retailers to sell growlers (64 oz glass jugs) of beer. Currently, only breweries can fill and sell growlers. With the enactment of HB 829, North Carolinians will now be able to purchase growlers of their favorite brews at stores such as Whole Foods, Total Wine, and other retailers.

The success and popularity of growler stations elsewhere in the country was an impetus for the North Carolina legislation. “With our burgeoning craft brew industry, what this bill would allow is the same thing to happen here in North Carolina,” said Rep. Chuck McGrady (R), a bill sponsor.

The Growler Bill isn’t just a boon to brewers and beer nerds; the expansion of commerce it will generate is also good news for the state economy. “On-site growler sales would likely increase traffic and sales to local bottle shops, some of which already have taps in place for pint sales,” wrote Charlotte Magazine’s Matt McKenzie. …

North Carolina legislators aren’t stopping with the Growler Bill. In fact, lawmakers in Raleigh are set to pass a historic tax reform package this month that will provide significant tax relief to brewers, thereby increasing their production and job creating capacity.