Indiana Raises Barrel Limit for Microbreweries

Indiana Governor Mike Pence has signed Senate Bill 297 into law, allowing microbreweries in the state to sell up to 90,000 barrels a year while maintaining the ability to operate a tasting room or restaurant.

Effective July 1, the law is an improvement for breweries like Sun King and 3 Floyds, which were limited to just 30,000 barrels a year of in-state sales in order to keep their Small Brewers Permit. However, there’s a catch – breweries can self-distribute up to 30,000 barrels, but any more distribution must be done through the three-tier system of supplier to wholesaler to retailer.

Despite the compromise, Sun King co-owner Clay Robinson feels the bill will be a boon to his brewery:

"With the new law, we're excited to begin planning several ways to increase our production in Indiana including adding infrastructure to our current downtown facility, exploring options for a destination brewery in Fishers and working with distributors to broaden our reach statewide," said Robinson.

Sun King and 3 Floyds began the Support Indiana Brewers campaign in January, which brought together the state’s craft brewers and lawmakers, and ultimately enabled the bill’s passage.

“We are thankful to all of the state representatives and craft beer enthusiasts who helped support small business and the Support Indiana Brewers campaign,” Robinson said. “When it goes into effect, the new law will allow us and other small breweries to employ more Hoosiers and get more local craft beer to fans who love it.”