MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- Home brewers can now legally raise a glass and rejoice.

Gov. Robert Bentley this afternoon signed the home brewing bill into law, ending Alabama's status as the last state in the nation that banned the making of beer and wine at home.

"I'm ecstatic," said Jason Sledd, a Huntsville brewing enthusiast who had been involved in the effort to lift the ban.

The bill, by Rep. Mac McCutcheon, R-Huntsville, would allow those 21 and older to make up to 15 gallons of beer, wine, mead or cider every three months for personal use. It would not be legal in dry counties or dry cities.

Brewing enthusiasts across the state rallied for the change. It was championed by two legislators from the Huntsville area who said some professionals are shocked when they move to Alabama and discover their favorite hobby is against the law.

The bill was opposed by the faith-based Alabama Citizen Action Program which generally opposes loosening restrictions on alcohol.

After the bill was approved by lawmakers, brewing enthusiasts had waited hopefully for a decision from Alabama's teetotaler governor on if he would sign the bill.



"WE ARE FINALLY LEGAL!!!" read a message on the Alabama Homebrewers Right to Brew facebook page.

"It's really a testament to what can be done with a grassroots effort," Sledd said.

Alabama and Mississippi had been the last two states to ban home brewing.

Mississippi lifted its ban in March, leaving Alabama as the last state to vote on a repeal. However, the Mississippi law had a 90-day delay before it takes effect.

Alabama's law goes into effect immediately, so the state technically beat Mississippi to the beer punch by a few weeks.

Sledd said he plans to brew this weekend.

"I will be out in front of the house with the garage door open and worry free," Sledd said.