Blog | Post

Beer kegs

US Brewery Self-Distribution Laws: 2022 Update

By Nick Amador on July 22, 2022

For most craft breweries across America, self distribution makes sense. Time intensive and expensive at onset – sure – self-distro offers control over where products are sold, what margins are maintained, and how market relationships are managed over time.

That said, self-distribution isn't a luxury every craft brewery in the United States has access to.

Across America, individual states are responsible for setting their own distribution and direct-to-consumer (DTC) shipping laws. Understanding how to navigate the two- and three-tier distribution system can be complicated, and you'll need to understand the state laws in place prior to moving your product.

Below you'll find a summary of US brewery distribution laws by state.

State

Self Distro

DTC Shipping

Alabama

No

No

Alaska

Yes

Yes

Arizona

Yes

No

Arkansas

Yes

No

California

Yes

No

Colorado

Yes

No

Connecticut

Yes

No

Delaware

No

No

District of Columbia

Yes

No

Florida

No

No

Georgia

No

No

Hawaii

Yes

No

Idaho

Yes

No

Illinois

Yes

No

Indiana

Yes

No

Iowa

Yes

No

Kansas

No

No

Kentucky

No

Yes

Louisiana

No

No

Maine

Yes

No

Maryland

Yes

No

Massachusetts

Yes

No

Michigan

Yes

No

Minnesota

Yes

No

Mississippi

No

No

Missouri

No

No

Montana

Yes

No

Nebraska

Yes

Yes

Nevada

No

No

New Hampshire

Yes

Yes

New Jersey

Yes

No

New Mexico

Yes

No

New York

Yes

No

North Carolina

Yes

No

North Dakota

Yes

Yes

Ohio

Yes

Yes

Oklahoma

Yes

Yes

Oregon

Yes

Yes (Limited)

Pennsylvania

Yes

Yes (Limited)

Rhode Island

No

Yes (Limited)

South Carolina

No

No

South Dakota

Yes

No

Tennessee

Yes

No

Texas

Yes

No

Utah

Yes

No

Vermont

No

Yes

Virginia

Yes

Yes

Washington

Yes

No

West Virginia

Yes

No

Wisconsin

Yes

No

Wyoming

Yes

No

Distribution data courtesy of the Brewers Association.

Note that these laws are interstate, and that expansion into states outside of your own will require a re-assessment of distribution regulations. If you're operating in a state where self-distribution is legal, we recommend you read up on the key differences between distribution options to ensure you select the best alternative for your business.

Every brewery managing the distribution of beer knows the importance of inventory management. From reducing keg loss to increasing turns, it's what will allow you to operate profitably into the future. Kegshoe Keg Tracking is a powerful, mobile keg tracking tool built for breweries – helping you lose less and deliver your best. Contact us today to learn more.