Northwest States

Note:  This is not a legal document; this is the most recent copy of the law that I could find.  It is not to be used for any more then information purposes nor should it be used for legal advice.

Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Alaska

ALASKA

The Statute

Alaska statute § 04.21.015 permits the private manufacture of alcoholic beverages provided that the manufacture of such alcoholic beverage does not exceed the limit imposed on private manufacture under federal law or an area that has adopted local option law.

Summary

Section 04.21.015 is a specific exception enabling private production of alcoholic beverages limited by imposed by certain state statutes (local laws) and federal law.

IDAHO

The Statute

Idaho statute Title 23, Chapter 5, §23-501. NATIVE WINE OR BEER FOR PERSONAL USE. Any person shall have the privilege of manufacturing wine or brewing beer from native grown products for the personal use of himself, family, and guests.

Summary

Brewing is legal but subject to use of native grown products.

Oregon

Summary

The law is very long and complicated, so I skipped actually writing it here, but the summary will be sufficient this time.

The Oregon homebrew statute is highly detailed and very specific about what can be done with homemade beer, wine and cider. Activities authorized by the Oregon statutes include donating homemade beer, wine and cider to non-profit organizations; 

• charging admission for events where homebrew is served 
• charging dues for homebrew club membership
• awarding prizes for homemade beer, wine and cider competitions
• receiving pay for teaching homebrew classes.

The definition of "homemade" as "noncommercial" means there are no limitations on where homemade beer, wine and cider can be made, so long as the maker does not receive any financial benefit for the beverages he/she makes.

Oregon homebrewers are subject to the same annual production limits as the federal statutes.

The Oregon statutes allow for establishments licensed under Title 37 (breweries, wineries, restaurants and bars) to host events such as club meetings or competitions where homemade beer, wine and cider are served.

Washington

Statute

Washington revised code Title 66, Chapter 66.12, §66.12.010 permits the manufacture of wine or beer in any home for consumption in the home, all sales are prohibited.

Summary and Special Provisions

§66.12.010 is very specific about the exception enabling the production of beer without license or permit. A special provision (§66.28.140) allows for the removal of up-to 20 gallons of family wine or beer for use in tastings or competitions.

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