Senate OKs bill to allow beer growler filling at retailers

The Iowa Senate voted 40-9 Tuesday to pass a bill to permit businesses like a Hy-Vee grocery store or a Kum & Go convenience store to fill and sell beer in refillable containers known as "growlers" for personal consumption off the premises.

Sen. Jeff Danielson, D-Cedar Falls, said Senate File 456, which was sent to the House, recognizes a growing market in Iowa for craft beer. He said it would allow the product to be offered in a safe and responsible way by businesses holding a Class C permit to sell alcoholic beverages. The product would be available in sealed containers under 72 ounces.

Some craft beer business owners say they appreciate anything that can help craft breweries grow into new markets, but many say they don't think pending legislation goes far enough. They say current law makes it difficult for brewpubs — restaurants that also make and sell their own beer — to sell growlers to their customers. What Iowa's craft beer industry really needs, they say, is a law that removes that barrier for them.