Eric Marshall, founder of Marshall Brewing Co., is backing a legislative measure that would allow breweries to offer samples. TOM GILBERT / Tulsa World file
OKLAHOMA CITY - Oklahoma breweries would be allowed to give out samples under a measure that passed a Senate panel on Thursday.
House Bill 1341, by Rep. Glen Mulready, R-Tulsa, and Sen. Rob Johnson, R-Yukon, heads to the Senate floor after securing passage by the Senate Business and Commerce Committee by a vote of 6-1.
The measure would allow the state's seven breweries to provide samples of up to 12 ounces per person per day to those who are at least 21 years old, according to the measure.
"The brewer must restrict the distribution and consumption of beer samples to an area within the licensed premises designated by the brewer," according to the measure. The samples would be provided from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The measure has strict controls in it, Mulready said.
Johnson said, "If someone wants to take a tour, they can have up to 12 ounces."
Breweries are a new and growing industry in Oklahoma, Johnson said.
Eric Marshall, founder and brewmaster at Marshall Brewing Co. in Tulsa, said: "We are not allowed to offer samples at breweries. Wineries are. We feel like it is a great tool for promoting, advertising and educating folks on our industry.
"We are brewing for quality over quantity. We feel it is an art. We are passionate about our products," Marshall said.
He said the purpose is to educate, not to offer free alcohol.
"We are not looking to get people drunk and putting them on the streets," Marshall said. "We want to educate people in the art of craft beer."
Brewers sought feedback from the Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement Commission on the measure, said John Maisch, ABLE general counsel. The agency enforces laws governing alcoholic beverages, charity games and youth access to tobacco.
The agency does not typically support or oppose legislation, but ABLE is not formally opposing the bill, Maisch said.
Barbara Hoberock 405-528-2465
barbara.hoberock@tulsaworld.com
Original Print Headline: Beer sampling bill passes committee
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