CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Those who like to run off their own batch of homemade liquor could do so legally if legislation which advanced out of the West Virginia House of Delegates Monday becomes law.
The measure is House Bill 2972 which would eliminate a section of state code which blocks the production of homemade liquor. Supporters said the law already allows for home production of beer or wine and this bill adds distilled spirts to the list. The prohibition dates back decades and is tied to West Virginia’s legacy of moonshine. However, supporters said the bill nullifies an area of the existing law which had become antiquated.
Under the measure anyone 21 years of age or older could manufacture liquor for personal or family consumption in their home. The amount made would not be allowed to exceed 100 gallons per calendar year in a household with two or more people over age 21 and 50 gallons per calendar year in households where only one person is over 21.
There would still be a prohibition on the sale of homemade liquor as provided under the statute.
The bill passed the house on a vote of 74-22 and now goes to the state Senate.