Alabama breweries able to sell containers starting June 1

CAHABA HEIGHTS, AL (WBRC) - Cahaba Brewing Company has come a long way in just a few short years, but like other breweries, felt held back by a state law that only allowed the sell of tap beer by the glass on the premises.

That ends on June 1 when state breweries will be allowed to sell six packs, 64 ounce containers known as growlers, and 32 ounce cans known as crowlers.

"We have a lot of tourists who want to take some with them and before this we couldn't let them. It opens up a whole new world of expanding Alabama products across the country," said Cahaba Brewing Company's Joel Harris.

Currently, brewers can only sell containers in retail stores. Allowing container sales on their premises is seen as the next big thing for an industry that has grown rapidly in the state since the "Free the Hops" campaign first opened the door to craft beer in Alabama in 2009.

"You come to Cahaba and other local breweries for the atmosphere," said J.R. Williams. "Being able to take home a crowler is beneficial," said J.R. Williams.

Cahaba Brewing Company plans to mark the law change by opening its doors at 12:01 a.m. on June 1 to sell containers.

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