Legislative Accomplishments

The Massachusetts Brewers Guild (MBG) has been instrumental in advocating for legislative changes that support the growth and sustainability of the state's craft brewing industry. Here are some key laws and regulations the MBG has successfully influenced or helped change in Massachusetts:

Farmer-Brewer Licenses (M.G.L. Chapter 138, Section 19C)


The MBG played a role in refining and expanding the farmer-brewer license, ensuring it meets the needs of modern craft brewers. This work, largely accomplished in the early 2010s, allowed breweries to produce and sell their beer directly to consumers.


Self-Distribution Rights for Small Breweries


The preservation of self-distribution rights was a priority for the MBG and remains intact. These rights were affirmed through advocacy in the 2010s, helping startups enter the market.


Allowing Breweries to Sell Beer for Off-Premise Consumption

Advocacy helped breweries gain the ability to sell their beer directly to consumers for off-premise consumption, such as growlers, cans, and bottles. This became standard in Massachusetts in 2012, fostering direct relationships between brewers and their customers.


Pouring Permits for Breweries

In 2013, thanks to the leadership of Harpoon Brewing Co. and the advocacy of the Mass Brewers Guild, breweries successfully secured expanded and clarified pouring rights. This milestone allowed breweries to operate taprooms without the need for additional restaurant or bar licenses, creating a crucial revenue stream for small breweries and fostering growth within the craft beer industry.


Legalization of On-Site Events and Festivals

Regulatory clarity allowing breweries to host on-site events and participate in festivals was achieved through sustained advocacy in the mid-2010s, enabling broader audience engagement.


Protection from Harmful Legislation

In 2017, the MBG successfully opposed legislation that would have required breweries to grow and use all local ingredients to qualify as farmer-brewers under M.G.L. Chapter 138, Section 19C. This preserved the flexibility of the farmer-brewer license.


Pandemic-Driven Changes

During the COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2021), the MBG advocated for breweries to be included in phase two of the state's reopening plan. Temporary measures such as beer delivery, expanded outdoor seating, and direct consumer sales were implemented, many of which have since become permanent.


Advocating for Non-Traditional Product Offerings

Advocacy efforts to allow breweries to offer non-alcoholic products, such as hop water and kombucha, gained momentum in the late 2010s and early 2020s, helping breweries diversify their offerings.


Changes to Franchise Laws (Sections 25E and 25E ½)

A significant milestone came in 2021 with the passage of M.G.L. Chapter 138, Section 25E ½, allowing breweries to terminate wholesaler relationships without needing "good cause" by compensating the wholesaler for fair market value.


Farmers’ Market Sales Privileges for Craft Breweries

In 2024, new legislation granted breweries the right to sell their products at farmers’ markets, allowing them to connect directly with consumers and expand their retail presence.

The MBG continues to lobby for additional reforms to benefit the Massachusetts brewing community. Their work has been pivotal in shaping the thriving craft beer culture in the state, not only through legislative advocacy but also by championing the industry in the public eye. Through extensive PR campaigns and media outreach, the MBG has elevated the visibility of Massachusetts breweries, fostering public appreciation and support for locally crafted beer.