Bill to Lift Cap on Microbreweries on Governor's Desk

State could soon pop the cap off microbreweries - or at least lift it 
By Jake Neher
 
 
Michigan craft breweries are cheering the state Legislature for passing bills to ease some state regulations. 
 
The state House sent the bill package to Gov. Rick Snyder's desk Thursday.
 
One bill would double the amount of beer Michigan microbreweries can produce every year.
 
"We know that immediately this is going to result in some businesses being expanded and some additional employees being hired," said state Rep. Kevin Cotter, R-Mt. Pleasant, who sponsored House Bill 4709. 
 
"And this is right away. This is the type of thing that we can do that's an easy lift on the part of government to put people to work."
 
Short's Brewing Co. in Bellaire, MI says it is bumping up on the 30,000 barrel per year limit right now. Officials with the company say they plan to expand almost immediately if the legislation is signed into law. 
 
Other bills in the package would allow both large breweries and brew pubs to expand.