-- The House of Representatives appears ready to pass a bill to make it legal to brew beer at home in Alabama.

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.

McCutcheon, a former Huntsville police officer, said home brewing is a legitimate hobby that is enjoyed by upstanding people.

The bill narrowly cleared a procedural vote to get in line for passage later this afternoon.

Alabama is now the only state that doesn't allow people to brew small amounts of beer at home for personal use. Mississippi was the previous holdout state.

Some lawmakers spoke out against the bill saying the state shouldn't do anything else to promote alcohol use.

"I think we've got enough folks walking around drunk," Rep. Berry Forte, D-Eufaula, said.

Rep. Arthur Payne, R-Trussville, said he didn't understand why legislators wanted to limit smoking, which is deadly, but is promoting alcohol, which he said also can be deadly.

"I don't understand why this body, year after year, wants to promote alcohol on the people of Alabama," Payne said.

Home brewing enthusiasts have been trying for years without success to get the bill through the Alabama Legislature.

The bill, a few years ago, won the House's "Shroud Award" for the deadest bill of the legislative session.

McCutcheon narrowly fought off, with a 40-36 vote, an attempt to amend the bill and require home brewers to register with their local sheriff.