Let Lawmakers Know You Support Local Craft Brewers!

In the 1970s, there were only a small handful of large brewers in the country, but wholesale distribution companies were small, family-run shops that had their specific markets. Back then, if one of the Big Three pulled out of a wholesale distributor contract, that distributor was not likely to make it. In response to this concern, states began drafting "beer franchise laws" which protected small wholesalers from large corporations ending their contracts and destroying their businesses. 

 

Times have changed since the 1970s. There are now more than 9500 small and independent local breweries in America, but they're still subject to the laws drafted for the Coors and Budweisers of the world, unable to break a contract unless specific provisions are met, often facing long and expensive litigation to exit a relationship that isn't working for either party. Meanwhile, due to industry-wide consolidation, wholesalers have become the massive corporate interest, but still have these protections against tiny, family-owned breweries, even right here in Connecticut.

 

It's time to bring these contracts into the current century and allow small and independent brewers (often less than 1% of a wholesaler's portfolio) the opportunity to exit their contract in a way that doesn't break the bank.

 

Please sign up here to send a letter to your lawmakers letting them know that you support modernization of Connecticut's beer franchise law, and share the link with 3 of your beer drinking friends.

 

This threat is existential to Connecticut brewers in your neighborhood and community. We sincerely appreciate your support.