Brewers growl over seal proposal

When Jeff Whitman heard about a proposed rule requiring growlers of alcohol to be sealed with official tape at the time of sale, he had mixed feelings.

"It's pretty painless, but it is more regulation," said Whitman, who owns the Selkirk Abbey Brewing Co. in Post Falls.

Idaho State Police, which is proposing the rule to the Idaho Legislature, estimates the new seal would cost about 10 cents per growler.

"It adds up over time," Whitman said. "Does it mean I'll raise my prices? No. We'll just eat it like everything else we do."

Growlers are 64-ounce jugs used to sell craft beer or cider in large quantities. The glass or ceramic jugs, which have become increasingly popular in recent years, are commonly sold at breweries and brewpubs as "take-out" alcohol.

The proposed administrative rule has passed a House committee and will be heard by a Senate committee on Friday afternoon.

Teresa Baker, ISP spokeswoman, said the rule is being proposed so retailers and breweries are not sending their customers out the door with containers that are considered open containers under state law.

She said many growlers are considered to be open containers even if they haven't been opened. The ticket for possessing an open container is a misdemeanor and can cost up to $300.

"We are looking for an inexpensive and consistent way to seal the top of growler lids," Baker said. "This is a way to get everyone on the same page that's not too invasive."

Businesses would buy the official 3-inch, tamper-proof seals from ISP at-cost, Baker said.

The rule would become effective after the Legislature adjourns. She said businesses would also be educated on the seal before the rule is enforced.

Whitman said while the seal rule can be shouldered, it's the totality of rules and regulations coming down the pike on breweries that concerns him. He said it's becoming increasingly difficult — "virtually impossible" — to put on charity beer festivals due to increasing rules.

"Are there really problems or are they just giving everything a thumbs-down?" he said.