MOBILE, Ala. (WPMI) -- It's so popular, how-to videos are endless online showing the step-by-step process of what it takes to brew one's own homemade beer.
The practice is quite common across the country. Even the White House brews its own beer. "The President, inspired by brew masters brewing in their homes, wanted to try this out," a YouTube video from the White House said.
In Alabama, though, the hobby is still illegal.
Local prosecutor Keith Blackwood reportedly got himself in trouble with his boss, Mobile County District Attorney Ashley Rich, for not only making beer at home, but posting pictures of the process to his twitter account, a source told Local 15.
AL.com found and
published one photo from the now defunct @KMBlackwood Twitter page. Rich told the media outlet Blackwood was disciplined, but did not offer specifics.
Home brew supporters are stumped the law still exists. "There's many old ridiculous laws still on the books in Alabama and this is just one of them," brewer Todd Hicks said. Fellow supporters formed the "Right to Brew" movement hoping to get the ban lifted. "They appreciate quality beer and just like someone who appreciates good food, they want to try cooking it themselves," Hicks added.
State representative Mac McCutcheon (R-District 25) is on their side, fighting for a new law for the past 3 years. "I'm optimistic about the bill, i think this year legislators are more educated than they were last year, i think we've got a good chance at getting the bill passed," McCutcheon said by phone. If passed, Alabama would join Mississippi as the last two states to lift the ban. Earlier this month, Mississippi lawmakers passed a bill making the practice legal. A signature from Gov. Phil Bryant would make it law.
McCutcheon, who sponsored HB9, said the bill passed in committee and is waiting for a full vote on the House floor.
