Minn. bill would give home brewers a hand

Home brewers, the Minnesota Legislature wants to help.

A House panel considers a bill Monday that would make it legal to brew beer in basements.

The proposal from Democratic Rep. Mindy Greiling would legalize home brewing in basements and other "subgrade areas." It would cover beer and other malt beverages, bottled water, treated water, flavored beverage syrups and carbonated and non-carbonated drinks.

Greiling's bill also would require the state Agriculture Department to update drink regulations that now keep brewing areas off limits for other uses - something that's not practical in homes.

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