Deep Ellum Brewing Co. launched “Operation Six-Pack to Go” a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo to raise funds for its suit against the State of Texas in a battle to abolish laws that limit the ability of microbrewers to sell beer to go.
Deep Ellum has set a goal to raise $100,000 to fund their initiative to force the State of Texas to change the current law that prohibits microbreweries from selling their products on-site for off-premises consumption, most notably six-packs.
“Texas allows every other alcoholic beverage manufacturer – wineries, distilleries, and even brewpubs to sell their products directly to the end consumer for off-premise consumption,” said John Reardon, founder of Deep Ellum Brewing Co. “Microbreweries cannot, and that’s not right. The alcoholic beverage laws in Texas have served special interests, protecting private, rather than public welfare, and it’s time for a change.”
The current law impacts consumers as well. Reardon believes this a consumer interest lawsuit where the rights of all citizens of Texas (and visitors from beyond) are being unlawfully stifled.
“We have taken legal action against our otherwise great state and we are asking craft beer lovers, both near and far, to support this cause,” added Reardon. “We are sorry that legal action is the only way to bring about fairness in an antiquated system that has failed to adapt to the legal, social, and commercial changes of the past 82 years.”
Deep Ellum is asking backers on Indiegogo to join their “Operation Six-Pack to Go” and Help #SueTABC to abolish the laws that limit the ability for the growing number of microbreweries to sell beer for off premise consumption.
The brewery has already retained two law firms and several expert witnesses, including the former general Counsel for TABC. The case is being heard in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas Austin Division – Case 1:15-cv-00821(see the full complaint here).
“Lawsuits are expensive and we want to make sure we can see this through to a favorable outcome,” added Reardon. “Crowdfunding sends the right message because it comes from the people. It’s a way for everyday citizens to pool together the resources needed to challenge powerful lawmakers and deep pocketed lobbyists.”
For more information visit deepellumbrewing.com and the “Operation Six-Pack to Go” Indiegogo crowdfunding page.
Be the first to comment