Are you a fan of the finely crafted beer? Although Eight Decades after Prohibition, the illegal beer business is still going strong and a growing number of beer advocates are turning to 'retail Robin Hoods' to get their hands on the hard-to-find brews. But it's not all fun and games - who is at risk of losing out by these activities?
It has been over eighty years since the end of the United States' national experiment known as the Prohibition of the Volstead Act in 1933. It was a period of time in which the manufacture, sale, and transport of alcoholic beverages became illegal throughout the country. But eighty years later, there is still a thriving black market for beer and its accessories – a crime known as bootlegging.
Plenty of beer advocates out there are grateful to the retail Robin Hoods who risk their businesses and gamble their licenses by selling rare beers to loyal customers, or offering illegal beer to attract new beer geeks. But who stands to lose?
The illegal beer market is a booming and lucrative business, open to anyone with the money, connections and know-how. It is estimated that bootlegged beer generates millions of dollars each year, with the criminals who operate it often keeping a large portion of the profits. The beer black market relies heavily on the availability of hard to find beers and many different types of craft styles, which are illegally produced and sold for a higher price than the actual retail cost.
The illegal beer business can have serious consequences for those who choose to partake in it. Local, state and federal laws regulating alcohol sales and consumption exist for a reason and offenders can face steep punishments if caught. In addition, by illegally selling alcohol, bootleggers are stealing income from the breweries, distributors, and retailers that make up the beer industry.
Bootlegging beer can also have a major impact on the local economy. By taking away legal income from brewers, distributors and retailers, and skimming profits off the top before taxes, the black market reduces the amount of money that is circulating in the legitimate economy. This can trickle down and have a major effect on the local government’s ability to fund projects, regulate industry, and provide essential services, such as police and fire protection.
Ultimately, the real victims of the illegal beer trade are the consumers and the legitimate local businesses. Consumers can be taken advantage of when a bootlegger sells watered down beer, or charges a much higher price. Legitimate businesses lose out on any potential sales when customers choose the black market option.
Brewers, distributors, and retail stores also stand to lose from the illegal beer trade. If bootleggers are able to divert enough sales away from legitimate retailers and brewers, there could be a decrease in the number of craft beers being produced, distributors being employed, and retailers opening their doors. Small breweries in particular can take a major financial hit if they depend on selling some of their beer in limited releases – the very beers that have become targets for bootleggers.
The best way to fight the illegal beer trade is to patronize legitimate retail establishments and breweries. By doing this, you can help support the craft beer industry and local economies, while avoiding the potential risks of buying beer from a bootlegger.
When it comes to buying craft beer, especially limited releases, it is important to keep an eye out for any suspicious activity. Prices that are too good to be true are usually a good indication that the beer is being sold illegally. Customers should also take a look at the beer’s label to make sure it is from a legitimate brewery or distributor, not from a bootlegger.
Finally, customers should always report any suspicious activity they may witness. By notifying the authorities, they can help to put a stop to the illegal beer trade and make sure the industry remains safe, legal and thriving.
The craft beer industry is a thriving and innovative one, and it is important to protect it. By patronizing legitimate brewers, distributors and retailers, customers can help to ensure that the beer industry remains vibrant and healthy. There are many benefits to supporting the legitimate beer industry, including job creation, economic support to the local community, and a safe, healthy environment for beer lovers.
Additionally, craft brewers are the lifeblood of the industry, and supporting them can help ensure their continued success and innovation. The craft beer industry has seen tremendous growth over the past few years, and