D.C. Breweries Are Now Allowed to Serve You a Pint

New legislation goes into affect in D.C. today that allows the city's breweries to serve their beer on site (and not just through growler refills).

The new rule is called the Manufacturer Tasting Permit Emergency Amendment Act of 2014. Breweries can now pay $1000 to get a permit that allows such sales. Previous to the legislation, visitors to breweries could only buy six packs or growler refills and offer free tastings, unlike at a winery, where the typical model allows visitors to buy a glass of wine and maybe some cheese or other snacks at the actual location.

The move is a boon to the city's growing beer scene, which includes such breweries as Atlas Brew Works, DC Brau, Three Stars Brewing Company, Bluejacket and more. Here's Eater's guide to the area's brewery tours.

"This legislation is monumental for DC brewers, because it allows us to function with the same profitability as our brewing compatriots in Virginia and Maryland" DC Brau's Brandon Skall told Eater via email. "Currently, we have no plans to function as a full-service bar, but we do intend to file for this permit in order to sell pints of our beer during our regular growler hours on Saturdays. It will take some time to file for and secure the permit, so pints won't be available right away."
· Where to Tour a Brewery Close to Home This Summer [-EDC-]

[Photo: Gerry Suchy/Eater.com]