Delaware Craft Beer Needs Your Help

Submit a comment to the Alcoholic Beverage Commissioner’s office in support of Rule 911. Adding your voice will contribute to a stronger Delaware Craft Beer Community.

Here are the full details on why this is important to small breweries across the state:

Delaware is one of 10 states that does not allow breweries to directly sell and deliver their beer to restaurants and beer outlets, and instead, Delaware law requires that a 3rd party wholesaler buy from breweries and sell to restaurants and retailers. This puts small Delaware breweries at a significant disadvantage because most of them do not have the scale to make wholesaler distribution profitable or effective.

With the rising costs of goods, materials, and services, supply chain challenges, market shifts, and other economic pressures over the past few years, small breweries need more flexibility to thrive, and in some cases, survive.

Over the past 3 years, the Delaware Brewer’s Guild has been working to change this. The culmination of that effort is Rule 911, published on April 1, 2024 for public comment.

WHAT IS IT?

Self-distribution is the industry term used to describe breweries directly selling and delivering their beer to restaurants and retailers. Rule 911 enables small craft breweries in Delaware to self-distribute. 40 other states already allow self-distribution, and it is a proven model for helping small breweries serve their community, grow, and build their brand.

WHO BENEFITS?

Rule 911 benefits the smallest breweries in Delaware. And MOST of the breweries in Delaware are considered extremely small when compared to those in neighboring states (which already allow breweries to self-distribute their beer).

It also benefits consumers with more choices. There is a reason local Delaware beer is scarce on restaurant taps and liquor store shelves. It’s because small breweries do not have the scale to effectively and profitably partner with a wholesaler to get their beer to market. Rule 911 removes this barrier.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

The Delaware Brewer’s Guild is asking all craft brewery fans and supporters (i.e. you) to submit a comment to the Alcoholic Beverage Commissioner’s office in support of Rule 911.

Your help will strengthen the Delaware Craft Beer Industry.

Here is sample text. Please cut, modify, add, and paste as needed.

Dear Commissioner,
I am expressing my strong support of Rule 911 for the following reasons.

  • Enables a new growth vector for DE small breweries during an era of intense competition (especially from out-of-state breweries)

  • Puts DE breweries on a level playing field with out-of-state breweries

  • Provides the opportunity for more local Delaware craft beer choices at my neighborhood bar, restaurant, and liquor store.

Or directly email
OABCCrulescomments@delaware.gov