New bill allows Nebraska breweries to sell directly to retailers

LINCOLN, Neb. -- A new bill in the Nebraska Legislature would allow craft breweries to directly sell their beer to retailers. 

LB-1236 passed unanimously on Monday on the first of three rounds. 

Supporters of the bill claim it supports small businesses. 

The bill allows up to 250 barrels per year to be sold directly to resellers from breweries, opposed to the typical route of selling to a distributor, who then provides shipments to stores. 

Currently, there are 68 craft breweries in Nebraska. 

The bill was amended to allow nonprofits to sell beer during holidays, and micro-distilleries to have up to five tasting rooms.