Plan Permits More Beer From Kansas Microbreweries

Kansas legislators are trying to help the state’s microbreweries by increasing the amount of beer they can make each year.

The state Senate approved a bill Wednesday to raise the limit on manufacturing by microbreweries to 30,000 barrels of beer a year, instead of 15,000 barrels over the two-year term of their licenses. The chamber’s 40-0 vote sends the measure to the House.

Kansas has four microbreweries, and backers of the bill have said at least two of them are approaching the production limits. Supporters also believe increasing the limit will encourage the growth of the state’s craft-brewing industry.

Microbreweries can sell their beer at their manufacturing sites, open restaurants, provide catering and package their beer for sale in liquor stores.