Big win for small beer in Nevada-Passage of AB404

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 4, 2025

Big Wins for Small Beer in Nevada

Nevada Craft Brewers Association Celebrates Passage of AB404

Carson City, NV — The Nevada Craft Brewers Association (NCBA) is proud to announce the successful passage of Assembly Bill 404 (AB404), a milestone piece of legislation aimed at modernizing and supporting Nevada’s independent craft beer industry. The bill passed without opposition—an extraordinary accomplishment made possible through meaningful compromises and constructive collaboration with Nevada’s distributors and Teamsters.

AB404 marks a new chapter for Nevada’s craft beer producers by allowing in-state breweries and distilleries to ship beer directly to consumers outside of Nevada, granting them a vital, modern tool to navigate an increasingly challenging and competitive market. This is a privilege that wineries and breweries were granted in 2020, however was rescinded specifically to breweries in 2021. The legislation also provides clear authorization for breweries to operate up to two taproom locations where beer is not brewed on site as well as serve other alcohol, creating much-needed flexibility and a greater ability to grow within local communities. Breweries  with more than two taprooms will be grandfathered in.

Despite Clark County ranking among the top three counties in the nation for alcohol consumption per capita, only 2% of all beer sold in Nevada is actually made in the state. That means 98% of the beer consumed in Nevada comes from outside our borders. In fact, Nevada ranks 48th in the nation for beer production per capita, while the eleven surrounding states average 4.7 times more beer production than Nevada. AB404 helps address this striking imbalance and unlocks new economic opportunities for local producers.

The NCBA extends its sincere thanks to Assemblyman Howard Watts, the bill's sponsor, for championing this effort on behalf of Nevada’s brewers. We also thank Sam DeWitt, Legislative Affairs Manager at the Brewers Association, for his guidance and support throughout the process. Deep gratitude goes to our legal counsel and lobbying firm, Cornerstone Government Affairs, for their unmatched expertise and advocacy. NCBA credits its successful passage of the bill as well to the tireless work of Legislative Board Members, Linda Lovelady and Wyndee Forrest whom gave a voice to their beloved brewing industry.

The passage of AB404 represents a major achievement for the more than fifty breweries across Nevada represented by the NCBA. Our mission is to promote and protect Nevada beer with one unified voice, and this legislative win brings us one step closer to a future where local beer thrives in the state that proudly calls it home.

We look forward to continued progress in future sessions to build a more robust, equitable, and prosperous environment for Nevada craft beer.