It's time to improve the image of Iowa…and the image of beer. You may not know it from all the media advertising, but the beers we're talking about are specialty products. 97% of the beer consumed in the U.S. is mass-market "light lager." But within that remaining 3% market share, there's a world of premium beer and ale that's excessively taxed at rates that are even more than that of some Vodkas. In many cases, these gourmet beers are aged like fine wine and are handled and consumed with the same respect. Many come from long traditions of craftsmanship in the countries where they are produced (including religious orders), or they represent American brewers' new interest in classic styles of beer.
But because of the Iowa's restrictive definition of beer, only one-eighth of the styles of beer brewed around the world can be brewed in Iowa in all their glory and less than one-half of the remaining styles can be brewed to a very limited degree. We're one of the few remaining states that still must "get it," in dubious company with Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, and South Carolina and others….
It's time to end the antiquated and arbitrary law that discriminates beer. In Iowa, wine has an alcohol content restriction of more than 6%ABW but not more than 17% ABW and spirits have no restrictions on alcohol content. All wines have a higher alcohol content than beer by definition. Most fall between 12% and 17% alcohol. Far greater than the 5% limit imposed on beer. Beer is the only adult beverage with such tight alcohol restrictions imposed on it.
In fact, wine is a product very similar to beer. The fermentation and production process of beer-making and wine-making are almost identical, yet wine has a limit that is more than three times that of beer. Why impose such a strict alcohol limit on beer and not wine? Or spirits, for that matter?
It's time to allow Iowa breweries, brewpubs, distributors and retailers to compete at a level playing field. Updating the definition of beer will benefit businesses, consumers, and the state. Breweries, brewpubs, distributors and retailers will be able to expand their product lines and generate new business, and the state will tap into the increased tax revenue generated plus garner an improved image for the state. However, right now, Iowa's brewing industry is at a competitive disadvantage. Iowa recently lost an award winning native brewery, Stone City Brewing, LTD. A loss that may have been prevented had they been able to brew a wider variety of beer styles.
Iowa brewers are missing out on new revenue streams. Currently, brewers cannot brew the world's wide range of beer styles. As the interest in gourmet specialty beers rises, Iowa's brewers are seen as behind the times and lacking creativity - not just within the state, but throughout the nation. Iowa saw a 58% increase in gourmet beer sales in 2003.
Retailers and restaurants lack the selection and variety afforded to most other states in the nation. Hundreds of restaurants and stores are unable to sell the full range of beers the world has to offer because they are forced to obtain a separate and expensive liquor license just to sell these beers.
In short, it's a lose-lose-lose situation. Businesses are unable to fully compete. Iowa misses out on potential tax revenue. And consumer choice is severely compromised.
Lift the Limit believes the real risk is that Iowa will lose revenue, tourism dollars, and lack the appeal of a world-class destination. This is not about underage drinking or driving while intoxicated. Why?
Underage drinkers are not interested in specialty beer. Underage youth looking to get drunk don't want - and can't afford - high ABW beers. Strong beers are an acquired taste meant for sipping and savoring and do not appeal to young adults. Moreover, strong ales are vastly more expensive than the other beer choices available and out of the price range of the average student's beer budget.
There is no link between drinking-related fatalities and alcohol by weight laws. According to data from MADD, states with no alcohol by weight restrictions actually have a 6% LOWER RATE of alcohol-related fatalities than the national average. While this doesn't establish a causal link, the data refutes the argument that allowing strong beers will increase the number of drinking-related incidents. In fact, Ohio saw a decrease in such incidents following its recent move to remove the artificial constraint on beer.
Finally, we're just as against drunk driving as you are. Most Lift the Limit members are parents who are adamantly opposed to illegal or abusive drinking, and we believe these specialty beers will not contribute to such behavior.
The consequences of the law
Many breweries water down their beer before selling it to Iowa. August Schell Maibock is a good example.
Other breweries don't want to go through the hassle of sending their beer through the state liquor control system.
Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale is 5.3% ABW. This is a common seasonal in many states, but is listed as a "barleywine" in Iowa.