States increasing production caps for microbreweries

PHOENIX — Four Peaks Brewing Co. has grown over the last two decades from a historic red-brick microbrewery and restaurant into an Arizona staple that served nearly 1 million gallons of beer last year, including its popular Kilt Lifter ale.

The company has also become a mainstay in the corridors of the Arizona Legislature. Three times in the past 10 years, it has helped persuade lawmakers to change state law to increase a cap on beer production for microbreweries.

The increasing popularity of craft beer around the country has legislatures nationwide rewriting laws to accommodate microbreweries as they exceed production limits.

Arizona Republican Gov. Doug Ducey went to Four Peaks' original location in Tempe on Tuesday to sign a law that expands the caps, touting it as a business-friendly measure to assist the state's burgeoning craft beer industry.

"Arizona has a booming craft beer industry and it's growing every day. I want to ensure that it continues to thrive, unimpeded by overly burdensome regulations," Ducey said.

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