Many U.S. states are known for their unusual, nonsensical, and often illogical restrictions on beer and brewing, but the state of Idaho is about to eliminate one such law, thanks to the efforts of an Idaho brewery.
Powderhaus Brewing Company, an operation based in the state capital city of Boise, was instrumental in the overturning of an outdated law that prohibited individuals under the age of 21 from entering a licensed brewery. House Bill No. 649 reverses this irrational law from the books and goes into effect on July 1, 2016.
Part of the reason this law was so strongly disliked and criticized by the craft brewing community is that it was completely inconsistent with other laws. A person under the age of 21 could legally enter a winery, so it didn’t make any sense that the same person could not also enter a brewery. Powderhaus Brewing co- owner Lisa Schmidt points out that the law was not only unfair, it was a hindrance to business.
“I didn’t understand why Idaho wineries could let people under 21 onto their property, but breweries couldn’t,” said Schmidt. “We have clients who want to host weddings and other large family events at breweries. But they’ve been hesitant because under-aged members of their families wouldn’t be able to attend.”
Idaho House Bill 649 redefines “winery” and “brewery”, and starting in July, individuals under the age of 21 can now enter or be on the premises of licensed breweries where beer is consumed. They still cannot drink the beer, of course, but the whole point of the change is that the laws need to be consistent from one adult beverage operation to another. And it makes no rational sense that someone under 21 cannot set foot inside the walls of a place where beer is brewed.
Schmidt also disliked that, under the old laws, her younger family members could not in any way assist with the operations of the brewery. Even something as simple as carrying supplies from a delivery truck to the inside of the building was forbidden because it would require walking inside the brewery. Schmidt and her husband opened Powderhaus Brewing in 2015 and one of their goals was to turn it into a family business that would carry on to future generations. “I have three sons and five grandsons,” Schmidt said. “My grandkids wanted to help unload boxes, cut grass and assist with other tasks around the brewery, but legally they just couldn’t.”
One advantage Schmidt had when she sought to overturn the law was her connection to Idaho State Senator Chuck Winder. He shares the same military background as Schmidt and her husband, all of whom served in the United States Air Force. It also doesn’t hurt that Winder sold the Schmidts the land that would one day become the brewery. With support from the community and other state legislature members, Winder pushed the legislation through the Idaho House, resulting in a signature from governor Butch Otter in April, 2016. Schmidt is proud of the accomplishments she and other Idaho breweries helped bring about and looks forward to a more brewery- friendly future for the Gem state.
“This is a great success for Idaho breweries,” Schmidt said. “Idaho Brewers United has worked on getting this legislation through for a long time and I’m glad Powderhaus was able to play a part in the process.”
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