The Gourmet Beer Bill that passed in May 2009 raised the alcohol by volume restriction from 6 percent to 13.9 percent so high gravity beers can be sold in convenience stores, liquor stores and bars.
However, Free the Hops, the organization that was so instrumental in getting the bill passed, is now looking to tackle Alabama's restrictions on container size, brewery location and beer distribution.
Free The Hops: Alabamians For Specialty Beer is a non-profit organization aimed at bringing quality beers to Alabama.
FTH began in 2004 by Alabamians not involved in the alcohol industry. By 2007, the organization became non-profit and all members are strictly volunteers.
FTH has chapters in Birmingham, Huntsville, Tuscaloosa, Auburn, Montgomery and Mobile.
Currently, all beer bottles and cans distributed cannot be more than 16 ounces. However, this does not include draft and keg beer.
Alabama is the only U.S. state with a restriction on container size, according to the Free the Hops Web site.
Also, all Alabama breweries must be housed in a historic building and can only operate in counties where beer was previously brewed for the public.
Breweries also cannot bottle beers for consumption off the brewery premises.
Restrictions like these can decrease income for brewery owners, as well as increase operation expenses, according to the Free the Hops Web site.
Caroline Roberts, a freshman in radio, television and film, supports FTH.
"Having stronger beers could cause problems, but I'm not opposed to the change," Roberts said. "Overall, I think that what they're doing will be beneficial for Alabamians."
The Olde Auburn Ale House sponsors the FTH organization. Daryl Cargile, owner and president of The Olde Auburn Ale House, supports the efforts of the organization.
"Free the Hops is an organization that has been very active and instrumental in getting the beer laws changed in Alabama," Cargile said. "Because they were able to work with legislature, we can now serve beers that are 9 and 10 percent alcohol."
FTH made it possible for house-made beverages like Tiger Tail Ale and A.P.I. to be brought back to the pub. These two signature drinks will be available sometime after the first home football game.
Cargile said he would like to see the container size law changed.
"I would like to see us sell what is called a 'growler,'" Cargile said. "It is a gallon jug that people can buy and take home."
"I think the beer restrictions are ridiculous and too conservative," said Chad Houston, a junior in biomedical sciences. "I would like to see 40s being sold. You get more for your money."
Houston said he plans on experimenting and trying the different beers that were once not allowed in the state.
"Georgians for World Class Beer" and several other organizations have been successful at changing laws.
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