California restaurants are becoming more and more aware of the incredible craft beer scene that our state offers. You can find amazing beers at the finest of the fine dining establishments and at the most basic of chain eateries. Some establishments are offering more than just beer on tap by having entire lists of beers in the bottle to purchase and enjoy. What happens though if you buy a bottle but do not finish it?

As a craft beer lover (and brewer) I often frequent pubs and restaurants that have great bottle lists. When I go out to these places though I rarely find myself able to finish an entire bottle and I am discouraged from purchasing anything but draft pints. I know I am not alone in this and sadly I see beer bottles get thrown away at restaurants because beer has a short shelf life. Restaurants are wasting money and diners are not getting great opportunities to expand their horizons. In the off-chance I do buy a bottle I find myself drinking half of it and wishing for a way to take the rest home.

Sadly beer has to be finished on site or it goes down the drain. This unfortunate reality puts pressure on the consumer to finish their beer right then and there which can lead to numerous alcohol-related incidents. Craft beer lovers hate to waste a good beer, but forcing them to finish each and every sip right before they drive home can be dangerous and is downright unfair.

Wine lovers have the choice to re-cork their wines in the restaurant and take the rest home to enjoy later. Beer lovers should have that right as well. The freedom of knowing that you can buy a 750ml Belgian Quad ale but not have to finish it will lead to safer roads, happier consumers and more money for restaurants and pubs.

We just want beer lovers to enjoy the same freedoms that wine lovers have. Some craft beers are hitting alcohol levels at or above popular wines and no one should be forced to finish a bottle if they do not want to. We should all be able to buy a bottle or two, enjoy a glass at the restaurant and take the rest home. It is better for everyone involved.

For more info on what too much alcohol does to the body:

http://www.alcoholscreening.org/Learn-More.aspx?topicID=8&articleID=26

California ABC FAQs:

http://www.abc.ca.gov/questions.html

For an article on the consumption of craft beer in moderation:

http://blog.stonebrew.com/index.php/craft-beers-heath-benefits/