Further action needed for legalizing homebrewing in Oklahoma.
Fellow Oklahomans,
We are making great strides in getting the ambiguous question on whether homebrewing in Oklahoma is legal. HB2348 has passed the committee and will go to a vote soon on the floor but there is an issue that needs to be addressed. The legislation going forward will require a license to homebrew. We feel this is an infringement on our privacy. After all, this is a product being made for personal consumption, not for resale. Homebrewers should not be required to get a license to brew beer.
Below is a message that was sent from fellow homebrewer, Randy Burleson, to Rep. Colby Schwartz. Please consider sending a similar message to Rep. Colby Schwartz and your representative as well. Click here to locate your representative.
Subject: Message to Rep. Colby Schwartz about HB2348
Randy Burleson February 16 at 11:14am
Rep. Schwartz, We at Oklahomans For Alcohol Law Reform applaud you for your efforts to make homebrewing legal!
For those of us who have been homebrewing for years, it will be nice not to be considered a criminal in the eyes of the law.
Thank you so much for your efforts!
However, we also wish that you would change the requirement for a license. We believe that homebrewing is akin to baking goods at home for private consumption. It is not intended for sale or for mass public consumption but for sharing with family and friends. Should we be required to get a license to bake cakes in our own home? This seems ridiculous. Homebrew should be considered a homemade food item like any other homemade food item. A requirement for a license or a tax seems like an infringement and intrusion into our homes and private lives. Please help protect our constitutional right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Please give consideration to our views. Again, thanks so much for your time and all your efforts in this cause. We really do appreciate you!
Please join us in the movement to correct the outdated alcohol laws in Oklahoma. Become a fan of our group, OKLAHOMANS FOR ALCOHOL LAW REFORM (OFALR) on Facebook, follow them on Twitter and check out the OFALR website.
Cheers,
Desiree Knott
High Gravity Homebrewing & Winemaking Supplies
7164 S Memorial
Tulsa, OK 74133
(918) 461-2605
desiree@highgravitybrew.com
http://www.highgravitybrew.com
About The Author
Hey, Desiree –
I was happy to send this today…
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Dear Rep. Schwartz and Rep. Jordan,
Thank you for your service to our State, especially during these challenging times.
I write to commend Rep. Schwartz’ sponsorship of HB2348, which would legalize homebrewing in Oklahoma. Many talented hobbyists throughout the state would welcome this change.
I do respectfully recommend, however, that you remove the portion of the bill requiring a license. This can be argued both from pragmatics and from principle.
First, from a practical point of view, I believe compliance would be so low that the administrative costs of the program could easily outstrip the revenues, and it would end up a net negative to the State.
Second, from principle, homebrewers pursue their hobby in their own homes, producing small quantities of beer that they enjoy themselves or share with friends. Your average homebrewer is no different than someone who enjoys baking fancy cakes or trying to turn out the perfect rack of ribs. Requiring a license to brew at home seems intrusive and generally out of step with voter sentiment here in Oklahoma.
In general, I think legalization is a good idea that is just as well passed in clean form without imposing additional administrative burdens on our already burdened State.
Thank you for considering my thoughts, and best wishes for a productive session.
Best regards,
Doug Fishback