Oxford, Miss (TLV) – As many of you already know, the state of Mississippi has recently undergone some exciting law changes regarding beer. As of July 1, 2012, the state has eased restrictions on the ABV (Alcohol By Volume) percentage in beer from 5 to 8 percent. This means that Mississippians can finally purchase some of the finer craft beers that are so popular these days without having to travel across state lines. The Huffington Post recently reported that, “according to the Brewers Association, there are now 2,126 craft breweries in the U.S. … [including] 350 new breweries that have opened since June 2011 alone.” That’s a lot of suds.
The transition wasn’t easy, though. Back in 2007, a small group of beer lovers decided to raise awareness about the archaic laws in our state, and eventually evolved into Raise Your Pints (RYP), “a grassroots, non-profit organization whose mission is to help bring the highest quality beers in the world to Mississippi.” This group met with legislators to begin the slow process of transition on what has always been a touchy subject in the South.
One such legislator, Rep. Bobby Moak (D-Bogue Chitto), became involved early on by introducing legislation as far back as 2007, starting with the alcohol content issue and continuing with another, as yet unfulfilled effort to legalize home brewing. As chair of the House Gaming Committee, Moak is accustomed dealing with sensitive topics.
“There is always a fight on any of these issues dealing with any type of alcohol, any type of gaming issues,” Moak said. “There is always a pushback … from the religious community and others about this. But, when you boil it down, too, there are political reasons.” Timing comes into play as well, and with this year the first of a four-year session, concerns about re-election are not as high. As the RYP supporters found out, patience and persistence pay off eventually. “Just like justice is a slow-turning wheel, so is the legislative process and it takes some time to educate different members of the legislature,” said Moak.
As for the home brewing issue, Representative Moak has already preintroduced legislation for next year, and with any luck, lawmakers will be more comfortable with the issue. I am confident that Mississippians will prove that the craft beer community will act responsibly in light of these changes, and embody RYP’s ideals: “Our vision is a Mississippi with a world-class beer culture. Our mission; to … clarify the status of homebrewing as a legal, fun, and wholesome hobby; promote Mississippi’s beer, brewpub, and brewing industries and small businesses; and work to broaden the appreciation of craft beer for all Mississippians.” 
