In recent years, some critics have suggested that Georgia’s alcohol laws haven’t changed since the days of Prohibition. The truth is quite the opposite.
Georgia’s laws have been carefully monitored, adjusted, tweaked, and modernized to reflect the evolving needs of our communities and the changing landscape of the beverage industry. Today, Georgia’s alcohol distribution system, which employs more than 350,000 people across the state, is a model of success and an example for the nation.
A decade of change: How Georgia’s alcohol laws have evolved
The modernization of Georgia’s alcohol laws can be traced back to significant legislative changes beginning in 2011. Since then, a series of bills have been crafted purposefully to promote locally made beer, wine, and spirits, fostering a vibrant craft beverage culture throughout our state while maintaining fair access to all players in the industry.
Key Legislative Changes to Georgia’s alcohol laws include:
SB 10 (2011) – Allowing alcohol sales on Sundays
This landmark legislation was a game changer for Georgia, allowing the sale of alcohol on Sundays. This change didn’t just modernize Georgia’s alcohol laws; it also reflected the growing consumer demand for convenience. It enabled local businesses to better respond to consumer needs and compete with neighboring states that already allowed Sunday sales.
SB 17 (2016) – “The Brunch Bill”
Building on the foundation laid by SB 10, the Brunch Bill took the law a step further by permitting the sale of alcohol during brunch hours on Sundays. This legislation was met with widespread enthusiasm, allowing restaurants and bars to cater to a more vibrant dining culture, where enjoying a leisurely brunch with your favorite beverage became more accessible for Georgians.
Supporting Local Breweries and Distilleries
Over the last decade, a series of craft-related bills such as SB 63 (2015), SB 85 (2017), and HB 273 (2021) have focused on breweries and distilleries, providing a measured easing of restrictions on their operations. Since the passage of HB273, Georgia breweries have been able to sell 2 million bottles of beer per year directly to the public, a significant expansion that has helped local producers thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape and ensured high-quality, locally made beverages are more accessible than ever.
HB879 (2020) – Legalizing home delivery of alcohol and package store tasting events
In response to the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, HB 879 introduced significant changes to support retailers. This legislation enabled home delivery of alcohol, ensuring that consumers could continue to access their favorite beverages while adhering to public health guidelines. Additionally, it legalized tasting events at package stores. These tastings allow consumers to sample a diverse array of local products, further promoting Georgia’s craft beverage industry and placing them on the same playing field as other national and international Brands.
HB 879 also responded to the 21st-century marketplace by repealing a longstanding roadblock that made it difficult for “dry” Georgia counties to begin allowing package sale. For decades, package alcohol sales were not permitted until 35% of a county’s voters signed a petition authorizing a referendum. HB 879 removed this requirement, further modernizing the system and promoting local control.
Georgia’s Alcohol Laws Ensure Convenience and Quality
The pace of legislative change and the cumulative impact of these changes have been profound. Georgia’s alcohol laws have expanded significantly since 2011, resulting in a system that not only supports local producers but also enhances consumer choice and convenience. Georgians can now easily find, purchase, and enjoy a wide variety of beverages made right in their state.
Moreover, these laws have positioned Georgia as a leader in the craft beverage movement. With an increasing number of breweries, distilleries, and wineries, Georgia’s beverage industry has flourished, contributing to local economies statewide and creating jobs.
The narrative that Georgia’s alcohol laws have remained unchanged since Prohibition is a misrepresentation of reality. The state has taken significant steps to modernize its alcohol distribution system, responding to consumer needs and fostering a thriving craft beverage culture while maintaining a balanced marketplace that promotes fair access for all.
As we look to the future, Georgia stands as an example of how thoughtful legislation can create a balanced and prosperous environment for producers, distributors, retailers, and most importantly consumers.