Government Affairs

The American Homebrewers Association (AHA) works on a variety of government affairs-related activities on behalf of America’s homebrewing community. First and foremost, the AHA is working on the legalization of homebrewing in states where it is not yet legal. In addition to the legalization of homebrewing, the AHA works on issues that directly affect homebrewers, such as the transportation of homebrew to competitions and events. The AHA also recognizes the close ties between the professional and amateur craft brewing communities, and participates in the Brewers Association’s Support Your Local Brewery network to inform its members about issues facing craft beer consumers and their local breweries.

Legalization

Homebrewing is federally legal in the United States, though each state has its own laws regarding homebrewing. The vast majority of states have legalized homebrewing, but there are still a few that have not. The AHA works with local homebrewers to help legalize homebrewing in those states where homebrewing is not yet legal. See the AHA’s Homebrew Laws and Legalization to view specific state and federal laws on homebrewing. See Statutes for more information on state regulations.

Legalization Talking Points

The AHA crafted its Homebrew Legalization Talking Points to educate politicians on homebrewing and homebrewers and to encourage legislators to support homebrew legalization legislation in states where homebrewing is not yet legal.

Support Your Local Brewery

AHA members play a key role in the Brewers Association’s Support Your Local Brewery network, a grassroots activist organization whose ranks are made up of beer enthusiasts, including AHA members, from all 50 states with the mission of assisting brewers in obtaining fair market access, as well as fair legislative and regulatory treatment. Members of the AHA are enrolled in the Support Your Local Brewery network when they join the AHA, and so will receive any Support Your Local Brewery Action Alerts regarding issues affecting their area.