South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley signed into law on Monday the so-called “Stone bill” which allows breweries to produce an unlimited amount of beer and also operate on-site restaurants that serve food. They would also be allowed to sell wine and beer supplied from other beer manufacturers.
The bill was originally designed to attract Stone Brewing, which is currently seeking a location to build a new brewery and restaurant on the east coast.
Stone Brewing has said it plans to expand its operation to the East Coast this year – a move that promises to bring nearly 400 jobs and a $29 million investment to the host city that lands it.
Without a change to existing state law, Stone would not be able to include their signature restaurant, effectively taking South Carolina out of the running.
Beer distributors had originally opposed the legislation, but eventually came agreed to support it in a compromise that added safeguards to their interests.