Sitting on the patio with a great cigar, and an even better homebrew nearby - - - and the ability to enjoy both legally. Well, on Monday evening, Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry signed House Bill 2348 into law, which legalizes homebrewing of beer in the State, and gives homebrewed beer parity with that long enjoyed by home wine and cider makers
The Bill did have an Emergency Clause attached when it went through final vote in the State House, but unfortunately, that Clause did not pass the House floor vote. Since there is no effective date registered for the Bill just signed by the Governor, the effective date becomes 90 days after the legislative session adjourns, so that means 90 days after the May 28th adjournment date, or around August 26th, homebrewed beer production of up to 200 gallons per year may be legally brewed after first obtaining a users permit from ABLE at no cost.
I cannot say enough great things about our House Bill author - Representative Colby Schwartz. He has done a masterful job of guiding this Bill through all of the hurdles and that is no easy job, given the first time pass rate for Bills is less than 40%. Colby will forever be a friend to Oklahoma homebrewers across our Great State.
I'd like to see the estimated 6,000-8,000 homebrewers across the State, raise their glasses of homebrew high to salute this very significant achievement.
Very soon, we as homebrewers in the State of Oklahoma, can truly say - BREW!!!
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