SB646 Summary

• Exempts microbrewery restaurants from privilege taxes on beer and light wine production and distribution.

• Increases microbrewery production limits from 5,000 to 20,000 barrels per year and allows microbreweries to sell packaged beer at retail locations for off-premises consumption.

• Increases small brewery production limits from 30,000 to 45,000 barrels per year and establishes new licensing structure for small breweries selling through wholesale permits and off-premises retail sites.

• Authorizes small breweries and microbrewery restaurants to conduct beer and malt beverage tasting events for educational or promotional purposes in wet territories with Alcoholic Beverage Control Division approval.

• Declares the act effective immediately upon governor approval due to the substantial growth of Arkansas's brewing industry and the need for consistent application of alcohol laws.