Texas House OKs new rules on craft beer business; bills now on verge of clearing Legislature

AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas House has approved new rules to help small brewers expand.

Lawmakers used voice votes Friday to alter the beer industry's pricing structure and overhaul regulations that apply only to craft breweries. That drew applause from brewers watching in the gallery.

Current laws prohibit pubs like Freetail of San Antonio from packaging their beer for retail stores. They also prevent breweries like Houston's St. Arnold's from selling beer to tour visitors.

The proposals split the state's distributors.

In a compromise, brewpubs and small breweries would pay $250 for a license to sell only their own beer directly to consumers. Brewpubs would be limited to selling 1,000 barrels annually.

The bills passed the Senate in March. They must clear a final House vote before heading to Gov. Rick Perry's desk.

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