Ohio may allow higher alcohol beers - Weekly Specialty Beer Report - Brief Article

Modern Brewery Age, Feb 11, 2002

Ohio state Representative Jim Trakas has proposed that beer in Ohio be allowed to go from its present six percent alcohol maximum to 12% alcohol by volume.

Small specialty breweries like Great Lakes Brewery note that they are competing with a variety of stronger alcoholic beverages. "Gin, vodka whiskey, and wine cordials are all higher in alcohol, and we feel why would beer be discriminated against" Great Lakes Brewery's Pat Conway told a Columbus, OH, TV station. "People who would drink a more full-bodied, higher alcohol beer would be the kind thinking about the product, not abusing it."

Opponents raise the specter of beer strength wars. "People will focus on that beer to get a higher kick, but you also have the problem that other brewers may come to town and say 'Why can't our mainstream beers have the same high octane?" and that will multiply the problem," State Rep. Ed Jerse, (D-Euclid) said.

A house vote is expected sometime in February. Representative Trakas has predicted the bill will pass.