People are passionate about this
One of the great things about trying to get people to pass this law is that there are lots and lots of people passionate about the changes we're trying to make.
* John Whiteside at Blue Bayou writes:
Are you surprised that there are only five microbreweries in all of Texas? I am. A 2003 estimate by the Association of Brewers said there were 366 in the US - wouldn't you expect more of them to be here? It's not like Texans don't like their beer. In fact, it turns out 19 microbreweries have opened in Texas; only 5 survive. Why are they having a hard time in the Lone Star State?Brock Wagner, founder of St. Arnold, thinks he knows why: the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code. Microbreweries in Texas have a real disadvantage compared to those in many other states: they can't sell anything directly to customers.
* Perry Dorrell offers that, "the left and the right can all agree on one thing: when it comes to pilsner, we're all in this together."
* We already know Austinist is with us. So is Houstonist! They even like the picture of St. Arnold in front of the Texas flag. That wasn't my idea: credit where credit is due, it was Joel's.
* Charles Kuffner writes up the practical effects of changing the law. He notes that "[i]t's a pretty good deal all around." He's entirely right. In the long run, no one will be hurt by this law change. But Texas beer lovers will be able to help contribute to Texas economic growth by drinking some fabulous Texas microbrews.
* Ted posts some guy's notes from our conference call.
* Beer writer Bryce Eddings calls our proposal a "modest request."