Law Could Help Connecticut Brewpubs Bust Down the Doors

If you want to drink a beer from a Connecticut brewpub you had better be prepared to travel. Under Connecticut law, brewpubs cannot bottle product and they can only keg beer for sale at their location.

That could change under a bill that awaits the signature of Gov. M. Jodi Rell. Brewpubs in Connecticut have been allowed to sell growlers during the last couple of years, but have not been able to market product beyond their front doors.

Brewpubs face a difficult competitive environment. When you look at the failure rate among restaurants as a whole, brewpubs must overcome this situation, plus at the same time turning out quality beer people want to drink. Being able to serve an off-premise market by selling bottled and kegged beer to other restaurants and retail shops creates an extra cash flow that can support the business and fund growth. It also helps market the brewpub.

Connecticut would join a number of states that allow brewpubs to package product for sale elsewhere.