For Georgia’s microbreweries, a “beer run” is more complicated than it seems. A strange state law requires them to make long drives to deliver their craft beer to local restaurants. When a restaurant wants to order more than a small amount, like a keg, the brewery cannot deliver it directly. Instead, a distribution driver must take the keg from the brewery to a warehouse in Atlanta and then deliver it back to the restaurant in the same city.

Microbreweries in Georgia have called this situation absurd, explaining that the beer travels unnecessarily between locations instead of going directly to the restaurant.

To address this issue, the Craft Beer and Local Economy Revitalization Act was proposed to allow microbreweries to sell directly to restaurants. Supporters argued this would benefit both small breweries and local restaurants that prefer local products. However, the bill failed in committee last week, leaving advocates very disappointed. S

tate Senator Chuck Hufstetler, a cosponsor, criticized the current law as benefiting monopolies that resist competition. Proponents of the bill believe it would enhance efficiency and competitiveness, while distributors argue it would burden retailers and hinder small breweries.

Advocates hope to revisit the issue next year or connect it to other legislation as the push for better beer distribution continues.