MO HB1858

Repeals and replaces section 311.180 of Missouri law and creates new section 311.183 governing relationships between brewers and beer wholesalers.

Prohibits brewers, their officers, directors, managers, agents, employees, and affiliates from having any financial interest in or serving as director, manager, employee, or agent of a beer wholesaler, with limited exceptions including security interests, temporary interests during orderly transfers, and minority interests under 50% for up to two years.

Allows a brewer to become a wholesaler of its own products indefinitely in a designated area if a major wholesaler (selling 10%+ of brewer's production) loses its franchise for cause or undergoes majority ownership transfer, provided the brewer obtains a wholesaler's license.

Permits brewers producing 10,000 barrels or less annually to own or hold interest in a beer wholesaler selling only that brewer's products, with an exception for microbreweries.

Prohibits wholesalers from holding any financial interest in a brewer except for up to 5% ownership of publicly traded brewers.