re: LA HB 291: Brewer Self-Distribution

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Not to mention, the distributor does not need to push your product. It is a complete joke and ripe for bribery and under the table connections. It is a major barrier to new breweries that aren't "politically" connected.

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It is honestly more about the pressure AB and MC put on their distribution networks. The antiquated laws give all the advantage to the distributors so they can "control" how hard/little they push brands they acquire. If a local brand catches fire and replaces that AB/MC tap handle or shelf space, you better believe distributors get hammered for it.

While many local breweries complain that their distributors aren't pushing them as hard as they should, in actuality most shouldn't be distributing more than 50 miles outside of their brewery. The space in too competitive at this point. If you are a small brewery it is extremely difficult gain legitimate tap handle or shelf space distribution. Good luck competing against the 50th new Seltzer that is getting cut into a grocery store cold box.

I do think this is a step in the right direction but there is a very long way to go in making it a true competitive landscape.

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In all honesty the Abita's of the world do not want to self distribute anyways as they understand the investment they would have to make in refrigerated trucks, line cleaners, etc.

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Thats fine and all, but where I am confused is why dont they just let the market regulate itself? If its too expensive for bigger breweries to distribute, then they will go through a group like MB. Why is there a law prohibiting breweries from selling their own beer? Who is this really benefitting? People that have hands in the pocket of the politicians, like MB I would assume?

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So Gnarly Barley shouldn’t be available in Lafayette and Shreveport? Bayou Teche shouldn’t be available in New Orleans and Lake Charles?

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Gnarly Barley hasn't been available in certain markets because they can’t produce enough beer to keep up with the demand. That’s a great problem to have, most local breweries aren’t in demand like Gnarly is.

Bayou Teche is one of the local breweries fighting for self distribution, I think they are smart enough to realize they can make more money just distributing in a 30-50 mile radius especially if they aren’t destroying their margin by selling to a distributor. I’m not saying they shouldn’t be available in New Orleans but I don’t think they or the distributor are making much money in New Orleans, especially post Covid when the On Premise shutdowns have killed local brewery tap handles.

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Just for clarification, the bill says 93,000 gallons, so 3000 barrels.

But yes, this is a move by distributors to throw up their hands and say "Well look, we did something, so don't blame me." This is a tactic that has been used in numerous states. It's just finally getting to LA.

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I wonder if Abita could spin off a new "brewery" to self distribute small batch beers under the barrel threshold.

Love this.

0 percent chance the conservatives in the LA Legislature will pass this.