Section 3-5-4. Production of malt beverages in private residences; consumption; home-brew special events

   (a) (1) Malt beverages may be produced by a person in his or her private residence subject to the limitations provided in this Code section.

   (2) The total quantity of malt beverages that may be produced in any private residence shall be as follows:

      (A) Not more than 100 gallons per calendar year if there is only one person of legal drinking age living in such residence; or

      (B) Not more than 200 gallons per calendar year if there are two or more persons of legal drinking age living in such residence;

provided, however, that no more than 50 gallons shall be produced in a 90 day period.

(b) Except as provided for in subsection (d) of this Code section, malt beverages produced in compliance with this Code section may only be consumed at the residence where produced and only by persons of legal drinking age.

(c) Malt beverages produced under the provisions of this Code section may be removed from the residence where produced for transportation and delivery by the producer for use at home-brew special events in a quantity not to exceed 25 gallons, provided that such malt beverages are securely sealed in one or more containers and clearly labeled with the following information:

   (1) The name of the producer;

   (2) The address of the residence at which it was produced;

   (3) The name and address of the home-brew special event to which it is being transported; and

   (4) The permit number under which the home-brew special event is being held.

If transported in a motor vehicle, the securely sealed containers shall be placed in a locked glove compartment, a locked trunk, or the area behind the last upright seat of a motor vehicle that is not equipped with a trunk.

(d) (1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this title to the contrary, in all counties and municipalities in which the sale of malt beverages is lawful, the local governing authority may issue a home-brew special event permit for the holding of home-brew special events, including contests, tastings, and judgings at locations not otherwise licensed under this title. The local governing authority shall specify by ordinance or resolution the events that shall qualify as home-brew special events. A home-brew special event permit shall cost $50.00 and shall be valid for not more than six events per calendar year.

   (2) Consumption of malt beverages at home-brew special events shall be limited solely to malt beverages produced pursuant to this Code section, and such malt beverages shall only be consumed by the participants in and judges of the home-brew special events.

   (3) Any local governing authority that issues home-brew special event permits shall adopt ordinances or resolutions governing home-brew special events.

(e) Malt beverages produced pursuant to this Code section shall not be sold, offered for sale, or made available for consumption by the general public.

Code 1981, § 3-5-4, enacted by Ga. L. 1993, p. 537, § 1; Ga. L. 2013, p. 617, § 1/HB 99.