Georgia Craft Brewers Seek Expanded Sales Outside Breweries

Proposed bill would allow more direct sales to retailers and increase individual purchase limits.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Craft brewers in Georgia are asking state lawmakers to loosen restrictions on selling their products directly to bars, restaurants, and stores. The proposed legislation would also increase the amount individuals can purchase to take home, currently limited to 24 cans per day. Brewers argue these changes would help small businesses build their brands and become more viable, but the bill faces opposition from large alcohol companies and distributors who want to preserve the state's existing three-tier system.

Why it matters

Georgia's current laws limiting craft brewers' ability to sell directly to retailers and consumers have been cited as a major obstacle to the growth and success of the state's small, independent breweries. This proposed legislation is part of a broader effort to modernize Georgia's alcohol regulations and give craft producers more flexibility to market and distribute their products.

The details

The bill under consideration would permit Georgia craft breweries to sell up to 1,000 barrels of beer annually to retailers located within the same county. It would also remove the current 24-can per day limit on individual purchases for off-site consumption. Supporters argue these changes would help small breweries build their brands and become more financially viable, while opponents warn of a return to a "Wild West" of alcohol sales before Prohibition.

  • The state Senate Regulated Industries Committee held a public hearing on the bill on Tuesday, February 11, 2026.
  • A committee vote on the bill could be scheduled as soon as next week.

The players

Joseph Cortes

Executive director for the Georgia Craft Brewers Guild.

Mike Griffin

Lobbyist for the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, who opposes the proposed changes.

Jason Anavitarte

Republican state Senate Majority Leader who sponsored a separate bill to allow more alcohol discounts and coupons.

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What they’re saying

“We need a more flexible system that allows small businesses to build their brand up locally, get their own product that they've made and invested in to local retailers. Then they can be more viable to one day, if they choose, get into traditional retail channels.”

— Joseph Cortes, Executive director, Georgia Craft Brewers Guild (valdostadailytimes.com)

“Alcohol is the No. 1 drug problem in America. We don't want to go back to a pre-Prohibition era where we had a Wild West of alcohol. It seems that the alcohol industry is not going to be satisfied until it is sold 24/7, including at lemonade stands.”

— Mike Griffin, Lobbyist, Georgia Baptist Mission Board (valdostadailytimes.com)

“For too long, the distributors have had innovation on lockdown. It's big business not really wanting to see some of this growth. That's why you're seeing so many craft breweries struggling or closing or consolidating.”

— Jason Anavitarte, State Senate Majority Leader (valdostadailytimes.com)

What’s next

The Senate Regulated Industries Committee is expected to vote on the bill as soon as next week after Tuesday's public hearing.

The takeaway

This proposed legislation is part of a broader effort by Georgia's craft brewing industry to modernize the state's alcohol regulations and give small, independent breweries more flexibility to market and distribute their products. The outcome could have significant implications for the future growth and viability of the state's craft beer scene.