This week, we continue our search for the top headlines in craft beer news. The following craft beer news articles span the globe with events from small town USA to Canada and even Scotland.
We have divided the headlines into four categories:
- Craft Beer Top Headlines
- Craft Beer Legislation
- Craft Beer Growth
- Craft Beer Festivals
Craft Beer Top Headlines
Trademark Disputes As Craft Brewers Grow
Bell’s Brewery dispute draws public ire, ‘bully’ claims, by Frank Witsil – Detroit Free Press
With so many new craft breweries and craft beers growing the industry, it’s becoming more challenging to create both brewery names, slogans, and beers.
There’s only so many names out there. It’s getting tougher to come up with a name that hasn’t been thought of before. – Paul Gatza, Brewers Association
Currently in craft beer news, there is a battle between Michigan’s Bell’s Brewery and Innovation Brewing
Chip Owen & Nicole Dexter of Innovation Brewing
in Sylva, North Carolina, over the use of the slogan “bottling innovation since 1985“. Bell’s is challenging the efforts by Innovation to federally trademark the “Innovation” name, citing that it will be confusing to customers.
Bell’s Brewery has faced a lot of criticism via social media as being a “bully”. The name “Innovation” is currently not trademarked by anyone and the small North Carolina brewery only produces 500 barrels a year.
Innovation Brewing owner Chip Owen plans to fight for the Innovation name and has already invested marketing dollars, as well as tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees.
Before drawing your conclusion read Bell’s official statement –
In an article published on their website this week, Bell’s Brewery VP Laura Bell released an official statement with 5 clarifications regarding the trademark dispute with Innovation Brewing.
- No lawsuit, no request for name or logo change as been issued.
- Only concern is the impact on our 30 yr old brand.
- Bell personally reached out to Innovation in February of 2014, choosing not to use lawyers.
- Bell offered co-existence agreements, agreed to pay all legal fees.
- All offers to date have been rejected, and the issue has now moved to the federal trademark office.
Craft Beer Legislation
Tax Break To Assist Canadian Craft Brewers
Craft brewers would get tax break under federal NDP proposal, by Laura Payton – CBC News
Tax credit for craft breweries is not only a hot topic in craft beer news for the U.S., but Canada is pushing for the same small business benefits. The proposed tax credit would benefit small breweries who produce less than 15,001 hectoliters (1 hectolitre = 2 kegs) of beer and malt liquor annually.
The issue: craft beer in Canada is being blocked by the “monopoly-controlled Beer Store”. The tax credit would allow more craft brewery entrepreneurs to generate more revenue to overcome these challenges with higher production and marketing potential. The Canadian economy anticipates the market share from microbreweries to triple over the next few years.
Special Use Zoning Permit Benefits Small Town Craft Beer Store
Planning commission votes 3-1 for craft beer store, by Jonathan M. Alexander – The News & Observer
The Bearded Lady Bottle Shop is a craft beer store and bar, planning open a new location in Garner, North Carolina. Anticipating final approval, the business will be the first craft beer store for the small southern town.
Last Monday, the Planing Commission voted 3-1 to approve a special use zoning permit, allowing The Bearded Lady Bottle Shop to occupy a 2400 square ft store front in the Fifth Avenue Shopping Center. The business will be a welcome addition to the struggling shopping center.
The special permit comes with the following stipulations:
- an approved ABC License
- plans for an outdoor patio must be submitted and approved
- seating not to exceed 38 customers
- hours of operation not to exceed the business description
The final approval will come after a public hearing, which is scheduled for April 6.
Craft Beer Growth
BrewDog To Add 130 New Jobs
Craft beer outfit BrewDog to double workforce following £1.5m grant, by Graham Huband – The Courier
For craft beer news across the pond, BrewDog has confirmed receiving a £1.5m regional selective assistance grant that will aid in the expansion of the companies headquarters workforce. It’s anticipated the Scottish brewery will add 130 people to the payroll.
We are truly thankful for the immense support from the RSA and Scottish Enterprise. With
Brewdog founders James Watt & Martin Dickie
the increased funding we are able to make our dreams a reality and add loads more integral and talented people to the BrewDog team. Each new hire will help us with our massive plans for 2015 and the years following and manifest our mission in Scotland and across the world. – James Watt, BrewDog Co-founder
Craft Beer Taproom Comes To Lakeville, MN
Craft beer boom continues, Lakeville scores Angry Inch Brewery, by Pat Pheifer – Star Tribune
New craft beer legislation last January has made it possible for The Angry Inch Brewery to come to Lakeville. This will be the first craft beer taproom for the community.
Partners Jon Erickson and Josh Hebzynski decided to open a brewery after receiving two gold medals in beer competitions last summer. Once the new business is completed, the Lakeville community will be able to take advantage of the brewers success.
Craft Beer Festivals
20th Annual Kona Brewers Festival, March 11th – 14th, 2015
Craft Beverage Media, the parent company for Craft Beverage Jobs, is happy to be a sponsor of the Kona
Brewers Festival this year!
The festival began in 1996 to celebrate the Kona Brewing Company and support the growth of craft beer for the state of Hawai’i.
Today, the event is a premier event for both Hawai’i and the craft beer industry. Over $750,000 has been raised for non-profit organizations benefiting both children and environmental projects.
Ultimate Guide To A Career In Craft Beer
