Legislators Ask Walker For Brewery-Related Veto

Would have effect on South Shore Brewery in Ashland

A group of Wisconsin legislators on Tuesday asked Gov. Scott Walker to veto a provision in the state budget that would restrict the ability of craft brewers to wholesale other brewers' beer and own taverns.

Bo Belanger of South Shore Brewery of Ashland has said that the brewery would be negatively affected by the provision.

Along with restricting more than 60 craft brewers across Wisconsin, the bill would create uncertainty among contract brewers, according to information released by the legislators, led by Senators Glenn Grothman (R-West Bend) and Pam Galloway (R-Wausau).

“Wisconsin is known for its breweries, and allowing small craft brewers to own their own taverns will highlight their product,” Grothman said. “This is the type of provision that should have been dealt with in a separate bill. It was complicated and the thriving craft brew industry did not participate in drafting this provision.”

Galloway said the provision restricts possible business growth.

“This sends the wrong message to nascent businesses like Big Bull Falls Brewery of Wausau in that it restricts possible avenues of growth. It was particularly disturbing in that it came out of the blue with no time for craft brewers to respond,” Galloway said.

Senator Robert Jauch (D-Poplar) voiced concern about a lack of information about the provision during the Joint Finance Committee session.

“As a member of the Joint Finance committee, I can assure the Governor we were not given adequate information before we were forced to vote on this provision,” Jauch said.

Represenatives Evan Wynn (R-Whitewater) and Brett Hulsey (D-Madison) also signed onto the veto effort.

"Small businesses are the leaders of Wisconsin's economic recovery, and micro-breweries are no different. They employ many Wisconsinites directly, and many more through their purchase of quality Wisconsin ingredients. Wisconsin should be moving in a business-friendly direction and not legislating more needless government regulation," Wynn said.

The letter the legislator group sent to Walker urges the governor to consider the veto.

“Paralyzing legitimate small businesses this way should not be the policy of a state we all want to be 'Open for Business,'” the letter reads.