What You Need to Know About Georgia’s Three-Tier System

Georgia’s laws for producing, distributing, and selling beer, wine, and spirits—known as the three-tier system—have been carefully balanced over decades. The success of our producers, distributors, and retailers is proof: Georgia has the recipe for success.

That’s why we’re here to help you understand what the three-tier system is and how it works. Our system provides fair access to the market, protects against unsafe products, creates safeguards for our youth, and ensures a consistent revenue stream to state and local government.

Feel free to download these resources to share with anyone you know who cares about Georgia beer, wine, and spirits.

Georgia’s System is Delivering for Georgia

350,000+

Number of Georgians employed by alcohol production, distribution, and retail including stores, bars, and restaurants

Georgia is 4th in the nation in beer production

Number of Georgians employed by alcohol production, distribution, and retail including stores, bars, and restaurants

180

The number of craft breweries in Georgia has grown from 10 to 180 since 2011.

2 Million

Craft brewers can legally sell 2 million bottles a year direct to the public.

3 to 57

The number of Georgia craft distilleries has grown from 3 to 57 since 2011.

$904 Million

Since 2020, Georgia has collected $904 million in excise tax from the sale of alcohol.

“The system in the state of Georgia protects each entity in my opinion."
CHARLIE COWART
STILL POND DISTILLERS & VINEYARDS ARLINGTON, GEORGIA
“Here in Georgia, the big guys and the little guys are on the same truck. That's great for business and allows the little guys to get more saturation in the market."
WHITNEY KARPIK
SALES COORDINATOR LAGRANGE GROCERY CO. LAGRANGE, GA
“If I hadn’t made the right connections or built the great relationships that I have with my distributors, I wouldn't be here today."
FREDERICKA JONES
OWNER OPERATOR SANDTOWN PUB SOUTH FULTON, GA
“The system truly works in Georgia. Distributors are great at what they do. Manufacturers are great at making beer. And we try to be great at selling beer and spirits."
KYLE POPE
RETAILER JACKSON BOTTLE SHOPPE JACKSON, GA
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