Extra time: New law allows local taprooms another hour of business

Taprooms across the state are now allowed to stay open an hour later thanks to recent changes in Alaska law.

The Alaska Legislature passed Senate Bill 9 in 2022 which allows taprooms to serve drinks until 9 p.m. The previous cut off was 8 p.m.

The new regulations went into effect Jan. 1 and local breweries such as Bearpaw River Brewing Company and Matanuska Brewing Company have quickly taken advantage of the new opportunity.

Matanuska Brewing Company general manager Taylor Mack said the new regulations are a welcome change that will ultimately aid their efforts.

"It just gets us a foot in the door to get more business," Mack said. "I think it's exciting. Especially come summer time, this will give us more time with customers."

Matanuska Brewing Company co-owner/head brewer Kevin Burton said that they're busy getting the word out about the additional time available to customers.

"We just gotta get people used to coming in an hour later," Burton said.

Burton said that it's been great growing with their business in downtown Palmer.

"We're becoming part of the community. That's one of our goals," Burton said.

Bearpaw River Brewing Company co-owner Jed Wade said that it's great having the additional time.

"We're excited about it. It's an exciting change for our industry for sure, a long time coming. We're going to do as much as we can with that extra hour," Wade said.

Wade said there's even more to be excited about. They're preparing to celebrate their 8-year anniversary which will feature a live performance by Jerry Wessling. This will be the first time they've ever held a live music event.

Alaskan taprooms had previously been barred from holding live events, but the new regulations allow them to hold a limited number of events each year.

Other restrictions such as no televisions, no chairs or stools at the taproom bar, and customers not being allowed to drink more than 36 ounces of beer are still in place.

"We got into this brewing business knowing what the rules were," Wade said. "We're just thankful to be part of the community."

Wade said they've had a lot of success at both of their locations thanks to the community.

"This is a time of year where we always reflect… There's a lot of people out there who helped us get to this point " Wade said.

Wade said taprooms are meant to be a gathering place and the new regulations help them give their customers more social opportunities.

"I think it lends itself to personal connections,"

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@fronitersman.com