Action | Updating Manufacturers and Wholesalers Operations Regulations as a Result of Periodic Review |
Stage | Proposed |
Comment Period | Ended on 7/19/2013 |
3 comments
I am writing in support of approving "3VAC5-60-110. Contract brewing arrangements" as written. The language of this regulation, written with input from Curtis Coleburn, COO of the Virginia ABC, as well as the Virginia Beer Wholesalers Association, will allow more opportunity for business and growth for small breweries and craft beer wholesalers throughout the Commonwealth.
I, personally, am the founder and president of a soon-to-open a brewery in Sterling, Virginia. I am painfully aware that starting or expanding a brewing operation can cost from hundreds of thousands of dollars to millions of dollars in equipment and building space. This new regulation will allow breweries to more easily utilize their unused resources to produce for other licensed breweries to promote growth and steady business. It is a “win-win” for both established breweries and new breweries, as well as for the economy of the Commonwealth of Virginia. For example, Virginia brewery, “A,” that has excess brewing capacity will be able to enter into an agreement with small, licensed start-up brewery, “B,” to use that excess capacity to produce beer for them. This allows brewery “A” to generate revenue with expensive equipment that might otherwise be sitting idle and allows brewery “B” to get product to market without the tremendous initial investment of large-scale equipment. This bill would also enable Virginia breweries to produce beer for out-of-state breweries looking to enter the Virginia market instead of having to ship their product in from great distances. This would create more business, more jobs and more tax revenue for Virginia that would otherwise be generated out of state. Finally, with the growth and addition of new, locally oriented craft breweries, there will be an increase in demand for locally grown Virginia barley and hops. Craft breweries and their clientele are always interested in locally sourced ingredients promoting a boost in Virginia agriculture business.
Facts from the Brewer's Association:
* 1 barrel = 31 US gallons
In summary, the craft beer industry continues to see tremendous growth despite a down economy and a decrease in overall beer sales in the U.S. Beer consumers these days are willing to pay more for a craft beer brewed locally. By adopting this regulation as written, we can reduce the financial barrier to market entry and expansion for brewers in Virginia and increase business, jobs and tax revenue, as well as the demand for local produce throughout the Commonwealth.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Sten Sellier
Beltway Brewing Company
New breweries create jobs in manufacturing and helps boost tourism.
I am writing in support of approving "3VAC5-60-110. Contract brewing arrangements" as written.
As a Fairfax County Resident, it was a disappointment to move to Northern Virginia as a beer enthusiast knowing that most beers needed to be imported in from other states and there were very few good breweries and brewpubs when there was so much support for the wine industry in Fairfax and Loudon counties.
There is a lot of untapped demand and opportunity within our state to help the craft brewing industry grow as many other states are already supporting and fostering the growth of the craft brewing industry. Enabling a contract brewery to operate can only boost our local economy and help support a growing demand in the craft brewing industry. The craft brewing industry (defined as a small, independent and traditional brewery manufacturing less than 6 million barrels a year) just surpassed the 15% mark in the overall beer market as the other 85% is dominated by the larger manufacturers like Anheuser Busch and MillerCoors, both of which have breweries in the state of Virginia. In general, the brewing industry has been growing at least 1% by volume annually and is projected to continue to grow. There is a lot of pride to support small businesses owned and operated within Virginia and a craft-based contract brewery would allow just that.
Expanding a business is expensive and the capacity available at a contract brewery could help a growing brewery meet it's increasing demand or even allow popular out-of-state brews the be brewed fresh within our state borders so our residents can enjoy the beer as it might be enjoyed straight from a brewery in Illinois or Oregon. The brewery itself would employ Virginia residents and help build a solid craft beer industry similar to our excellent wine heritage.