House passes beer bill; held for more debate

JACKSON — A bill that passed the Mississippi House yesterday could lead to the sale of stronger beer.

House Bill 1422 would raise the allowable alcohol by weight on beer sold in the state from 5 percent alcohol by weight to 8 percent.

Mississippi has the lowest alcohol cap for beer in the country. Advocates say the change say will benefit people who enjoy artisan beer and entrepreneurs who brew craft beer.

House members asked whether consumers might become more intoxicated be more likely to have car accidents. Republican Rep. Hank Zuber of Ocean Springs says that because these beers are more expensive, people are likely to drink fewer of them.

The bill was held for the possibility of more debate. It eventually would need to go to the Senate.