When you order a pint of beer at a local taproom and take the first, crisp sip, you probably aren’t thinking about all the permits, zoning hearings, and bills that had to get approved in order for you to imbibe.

But, for the past few years, that has been top of mind for the Brewers Association of Maryland (BAM), as well as local lobbyists, senators, and delegates. And this past legislative session, they were able to push forth a big breakthrough in the craft beer industry.

The Brewery Modernization Act of 2019 (HB1010) was passed on Saturday, which updates the state’s beer laws by increasing taproom sales, production capabilities, self-distribution limits, and hours of operation.

“Job creation and economic impact has been our consistent message since we began this effort three years ago,” says BAM executive director Kevin Atticks. “Our tactics have been different—and last year things got unnecessarily heated—but there have always been legitimate concerns from legitimate entrepreneurs. This session, we didn’t ask for infinite numbers, but we still asked for increases that will give our brewers the possibility to grow.”

Atticks greatly credits the new regime in the General Assembly in Annapolis, as well as the support of local delegates and lobbyist Brad Rifkin for bringing the bill to fruition.

Under the new act, which goes into effect July 1, Class 5 beer manufacturers (think Union Craft, Monument City, Heavy Seas, etc.) will have increased taproom limits of up to 5,000 barrels a year. For Class 7 microbreweries (like The Brewer’s Art, Nepenthe Brewing), taproom limits have also been increased to 5,000 barrels a year and their production cap has nearly doubled to 45,000 barrels a year.

In addition, the new law will remove the guided tour requirement for carry-out beer at breweries (up to a case), allow Class 8 farm breweries to extend their hours until 10 p.m., loosen regulations on self-distribution, and make it possible for all classifications to now brew beer at an off-site location.

“A lot of breweries have found beautiful spots that they never thought they’d outgrow,” says Atticks. “This gives them the ability to grow, but not necessarily move and leave their original market.”

In tandem with this bill is an important breakthrough in the Beer Franchise Law Reform legislation, which updates distribution regulations that hadn’t been touched since 1974. Back then, the laws were established to protect mom and pop wholesalers (or distributors) in the case that giant, mega-breweries decided to walk away. That’s why 180 days notice and a showing of “good cause” had to be proven in order to sever contracts.

“The problem is, since the craft beer boom, we now have a reversal of power,” explains Atticks. “Wholesalers are now the big kahuna and breweries are the small guy. They need flexibility to find a new wholesaler or switch it up if it isn’t working out.”

Under the new law, effective January 2020, breweries that produce less than 20,000 barrels annually (almost all in the state of Maryland), may, without cause, be able to leave a wholesaler after providing just 45 days notice.

“It was nice to see that all parties—retailers, wholesalers, and brewers—were able to get together and agree to continue to move our industry forward,” says Hugh Sisson, the founder of Heavy Seas Beer, who has been championing beer legislation for decades. “At the end of the day, it is always best if the various stakeholders work together. After a couple years in a row being at loggerheads, I think everyone deserves credit for overcoming the issues.”

In addition, local stakeholders with the Maryland Distillers Guild made some strides in the spirits world. As of July 1, distilleries will be able to serve cocktails with an amended Class 1 license (similar to the existing Class 9 you see at Blackwater, Old Line, and Seacret’s), pouring up to 7,750 gallons annually.

“We’ve been involved in the process for years and it wasn’t easy to get this bill passed,” says Max Lents, co-owner of the Baltimore Spirits Company and founding member of the distillers guild. “This bill lets the local liquor board create a license for us, so it’s still a not a done deal, but at least we have a clear path now. This certainly gives us more freedom in the future.”

While all of the legislative language and facts and figures can feel wonky, Atticks says that the average drinker will definitely notice a change once the laws are enacted.

“Maryland beer will be more available,” he says. “That means you’ll be able to buy more at breweries and see more of it in beer stores. Clearly, the customers want it and [this session] the message was received. Reform is going to happen.”

EAT

Nov. 9: Pop Up Night Market

Baltimore Center Stage, 700 N. Calvert St. 6 p.m.-12 a.m. $8-85.

On the heels of the first-ever Charm City Night Market that brought thousands of people downtown for authentic Asian-American eats, crafts, and performances, a pop-up version of the successful block party will take over Center Stage on Friday night. Stop by the Mt. Vernon theater to browse wares by local makers and samples snacks from local vendors like Ekiben, Pinch Dumplings, and Wight Tea Co. For an all-night affair, snag VIP tickets for the chance to see Center Stage’s latest production, King of the Yees, along with post-show perks in the theater’s Deering Lounge.

DRINK

Nov. 10: Proof: Maryland Spirits and Cocktails

College Park Aviation Museum, 1985 Corporal Frank Scott Dr. 6-9 p.m. $35.

Since the number of businesses producing spirits in the Old Line State has jumped 425 percent in the past five years (from 7 to 30 distilleries), it comes as no surprise the state has dedicated a month to the historic and booming industry. To celebrate the inaugural Maryland Spirits Month, make the quick trip to College Park to sip crafted cocktails by Lyon Distilling, Blackwater Distilling, and Baltimore-based favorites like The Baltimore Spirits Company and Old Line Spirits. In between pours, take in a small-batch seminar to learn about the art of mixers and creating the pucker-perfect sour cocktail.

SEE

Nov. 11-March 9, 2019: Romare Bearden

Reginald F. Lewis Museum, 830 E Pratt St. Times vary. Free-$8

Starting Sunday, a collection of pieces by the prolific visual artist Romare Bearden, best known for his collages and other works depicting the realities of African-American life during the 1960s, will be on view at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum in dedication to the artist’s tremendous impact on the community. Take advantage of this weekend’s “pay what you can” rate and see more than 70 of the late artist’s collages, watercolors, and drawings at this downtown museum and honor his depiction of African-American religion and spirituality.

HEAR

Nov. 4: Caleb Stine’s ’Round the Mountain

Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. 8 p.m. $22-28.

Known around town as one of the key players in Baltimore’s folk music scene, Caleb Stine and his rustic, Americana sound will lead this year’s edition of ’Round the Mountain. During this annual show, long revered for its tradition of connecting musicians from around the world through country music, hear the singer-songwriter play alongside steel guitarist Dave Hadley of The Bumper Jacksons, Baltimore-based fiddle player Audrey Hamilton, and West African-inspired group Jess Sah Bi & Peter One. Catch this one-of-a-kind jam session and get ready to hear songs from Stine’s latest album, Moon, played in a whole new way.

DO

Nov. 10: Harvest Festival

R. House, 301 W. 29th St. 12-5 p.m. Free.

Thanks to R. House’s annual fall extravaganza, you don’t have to leave the city to revel in classic autumn activities. Bring the kiddos to the Remington food hall’s harvest festival for pony rides, a petting zoo, and face painting while the grown-ups sip on fall libations from Charm City Meadworks, Monument City, and punch made with Le Monade’s pumpkin cider. During this afternoon affair, learn how to plant succulents inside pumpkins and gourds, peruse vintage and craft wares, and celebrate these final days of fall in style.

Five things to eat, drink, see, hear, and do with your Charm City weekend.

 EAT

June 23-25: Johnny’s Ice Cream Cart

Roland Park Shopping Center, 4800 Roland Ave., 11 a.m.-8 p.m., $2

We all remember the excitement of spotting a pop-up lemonade stand during the dog days of summer, and Johnny’s is mimicking that feeling with its roadside ice cream cart in Roland Park. Stationed in front of the Roland Park Shopping Center daily, the cart peddles scoops of house-churned flavors including pistachio, birthday cake, blueberry cobbler, and coconut-passionfruit sorbet. Make sure to have your phone handy this weekend, as the restaurant is offering a buy-one, get-one deal for anyone who tags Johnny’s on social media. With temperatures creeping up near the 90s this weekend, we can’t think of a better way to cool down. 

 DRINK

June 25: Spirits of Maryland

Baltimore Museum of Industry, 1415 Key Highway, 12-3 p.m., $15-50

In case you haven’t already heard, Maryland is killing the distilling game. (Just a few weeks back, our own Baltimore Whiskey Company’s Shot Tower gin was awarded top honors at the prestigious World Spirits Competition in San Francisco.) At this Sunday afternoon showcase, gather beneath the harbor-side pavilion at the Baltimore Museum of Industry to feel the warm breezes while mingling with some of the most innovative distillers in the state. Line your stomach with light bites before sampling spirits from 15 members of the Maryland Distillers Guild hailing everywhere from Charm City to St. Mary’s County. Be on the lookout for favorites like Old Line Spirits’ malt whiskey, Lyon Distilling’s 90-proof rum, Lost Ark’s spiced rum, and Blackwater Distilling’s beloved Sloop Betty vodka. Ticketholders will also be granted full access to the museum. Sunday Funday, indeed.

 SEE

June 24: Pics in the Park: Ghostbusters

Center Plaza, 100 N. Charles St., 8-11 p.m., Free

Downtown Partnership is starting the summer off right with its annual outdoor movie screenings on the lawn at Center Plaza downtown, which continue this weekend with a special showing of the new Ghostbusters reboot. Okay, okay. So it isn’t the original version, but we happen to think Kate McKinnon, Melissa McCarthy, Leslie Jones, and Kristen Wiig did the 1984 classic plenty of justice. Bring popcorn and your favorite movie candy when you gather around the giant inflatable screen to laugh aloud and partake in what we’re sure will be an epic “Who you gonna call?” chant.

 HEAR

June 23: Bleachers

Rams Head Live, 24 Market Place, 7 p.m., $24

You might remember Jack Antonoff as the lead guitarist of indie-pop trio Fun, which dominated in 2012 with chart-toppers like “We are Young” and “Some Nights.” Since then, the New Yorker has spearheaded this bold solo project fusing an alternative sound with diverse spoken-word samples and catchy, ’80s-influenced beats. All of which are evident in energetic anthems like “Rollercoaster” and Bleachers’ debut single “I Want to Get Better.” (We bet you’d know it if you heard it.) This Friday night, pack into Ram’s Head Live to hear the shout-along hits in person, plus new tracks off of the recently released album Gone Now. The show kicks off with an opening set from female synth-pop superstars MUNA—who hit the road with former One Direction heartthrob Harry Styles later this summer.

 DO

June 24: Manor Hill Farm Fest

Manor Hill Farm, 4411 Manor Lane, Ellicott City, 1-5 p.m., $15-25

Back in 2011, Victoria Gastro Pub owners Randy and Mary Marriner purchased a 54-acre working farm in Ellicott City. And, while it wasn’t originally their intention, it didn’t take long for the couple to realize that the grounds were ideal for farm brewing. This weekend, celebrate the beautiful evolution of Manor Hill Brewing at this festival featuring tours of the facility and hop-harvesting tutorials from the staff. Outside, crack open a cold one and get down to the live sounds of local blues group Dirty Secret and funk jam band Soul Island Rebels. There will also be tons of on-site food vendors, including sister-spots Victoria Gastro Pub and Manor Hill Tavern offering duck-fat fries, corn on the cob, pulled chicken sandwiches, and chips with fruit salsa. The bash will double as a release party for the brand-new Malt Shop Imperial IPA and Dust Up Pale Ale.