Press release from Hops & Grain below. When I find time, I'll make a little additional comment about the new Texas laws that the press release refers to. Now that I work for the Texas Legislature, I got an inside view of these laws moving through the legislative process. My boss, State Senator Leticia Van de Putte of San Antonio played a key role in making this happen, and I'm very proud of her.

Great Things to Come for Hops & Grain Brewery
New Craft Beer Laws Pave Way for Expansion

(Austin, TX) – In response to Texas’ new craft brew laws, Austin-based brewery Hops & Grain has successfully applied for a Brewpub license and proudly announces an enhanced experience and expanded set of hours in its tap room beginning the first week of July. 

 
Governor Rick Perry graciously signed the bills into law last week, which went into effect immediately. Hops & Grain, among other breweries in the area, will officially become a brewpub, which owner Josh Hare applied for this past April.

With a brewpub license, Hops & Grain will be able to sell its beer on-premise, which will begin this weekend, giving customers the chance to drink and buy beer from the source. That means that visitors to the tap room can now purchase a beer or two from the tap wall, plus cans and growler fills to take home. Starting the first week of July, tap room hours will also be expanded to Thursday and Friday from 2 - 8PM and Saturday and Sunday from noon – 6PM. However, the first Thursday, July 4, Hops & Grain will be closed in observation of the holiday and will open its first Thursday tap room day on July 11. 

 
This means great things for Hops & Grain, as well as for the consumer. Allowing the brewery to provide reasonably priced beer directly to the consumer from the brewery as well as allowing direct distribution to local retail establishments, these new laws open the door for Hops & Grain to grow to its full potential and to give the people what they want – great craft beer! 

 
“We are stoked to be able to continue to offer the experience that our customers have come to expect with the added benefit of being able to purchase beer from our tap room to take home with you,” says Hare. “It’s a better, more sustainable experience for everyone.” 

 
About Hops & Grain: Specializing in craft beer and sustainability, Hops & Grain Brewery is located in East Austin (literally at the end of East Sixth Street) at 507 Calles, Austin, TX 78702. Hops & Grain Tap Room is currently open every Friday from 2 – 6PM, and every Saturday from Noon – 4PM with tours of the brewery given on Saturdays at 1 and 3PM. Tours are approximately 45 minutes and include special samples not available in the tap room. Beginning July 1 the Tap Room will expand its hours to Thursday and Friday from 2 - 8PM and Saturday and Sunday from noon – 6PM. For further information please visit www.hopsandgrain.com or call 512.914.2467. ‘Like’ us on Facebook at Facebook.com/hopsandgrain and follow us on Twitter @HopsandGrain.