Bill forcing Anheuser-Busch to sell 2 companies advances

March 3, 2015

36Pab,

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Advocates for a House-passed bill to ban breweries from distributing their own products in Kentucky have won a key victory from a Senate committee.

The heavily lobbied bill was advanced Tuesday by the Senate Licensing, Occupations and Administrative Regulations Committee without being amended.

If the bill passes the Senate unchanged, it goes to Gov. Steve Beshear.

The bill would force Anheuser-Busch to sell its two Kentucky beer distributorships in Louisville and Owensboro. Anheuser-Busch condemns the bill as government overreach into the private market.

House Speaker Greg Stumbo says his bill is needed to preserve a system separating producers, distributors and retailers.

Sen. Tom Buford predicted the issue is likely to end up in court. Anheuser-Busch executive Damon Williams said afterward his company will do anything it can to protect its rights.