DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 554 Reengrossed 2022 Regular Session Mincey
Abstract: Provides relative to microbrewery operations and limited sales at wholesale.
Present law (R.S. 26:241) defines "microbrewery" as a retail establishment where beer and other malt
beverages are brewed in small quantities, not exceeding 12,500 barrels per year, and where such
beverages are sold for consumption on or off the licensed premises.
Proposed law changes present law to apply to beverages sold on or off the licensed premises or at
wholesale in accordance with proposed law (R.S. 26:271.1).
Present law (R.S. 26:271) provides for permits and fees. Present law provides that microbrewers
with a Retailers, Class A permit, are authorized to engage in the brewing of beer and other malt
beverages at a single location in an amount not to exceed 12,500 barrels. Present law further
authorizes the sale of such brewed beverages from that location.
Proposed law changes present law to authorize the sale of such brewed beverages from a single
location or at wholesale in accordance with present law (R.S. 26:271.1).
Present law (R.S. 26:271.1) provides that any person who has obtained a microbrewer's permit as
provided in present law (R.S. 26:271) shall be authorized to engage in the brewing of beer and other
malt beverages in a quantity not to exceed 12,500 barrels during the licensed years. The holder shall
also be authorized to sell the manufactured beverages at retail for consumption on or off the licensed
premises if the holder has also been issued a Retailer, Class A permit. Present law further provides
that the holder of a microbrewer's permit is not permitted to sell the manufactured beverages at
wholesale.
Proposed law changes present law to provide that any person who has properly obtained a Class A
retail permit and a microbrewer's permit is authorized to sell the manufactured beverages at retail
on or off the licensed premises.
Present law provides that present law shall not authorize the holder of a microbrewer's permit to sell
the manufactured beverages at wholesale.
Proposed law authorizes a microbrewer to contract with a licensed wholesaler in accordance with
present law (R.S. 26:801 et seq.) for the purpose of distributing the products brewed by the
microbrewer at its licensed premises to other retail dealers licensed pursuant to present law and to
special events licensed pursuant to present law (R.S. 26:793). (Amends R.S. 26:241(17), 271(A)(5), and 271.1)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The House Floor Amendments to the engrossed bill:
1. Make technical changes.
2. Remove provision that provides that a microbrewer may sell up to 250 barrels of its
finished products per month at wholesale to other retail dealers licensed pursuant to
present law and to special events licensed pursuant to R.S. 26:793.
3. Add provision that allows microbrewers to contract with a licensed wholesaler in
accordance with present law (R.S. 26:801 et seq.) for the purpose of distributing products
brewed by the microbrewer at its licensed premises.