Craft beer boom prompts US states to ease laws

Albany, New York

THE US craft beer business, the fastest growing segment of a US$102 billion market, is giving states an opportunity to capitalise on the nation's growing thirst for India pale ale and imperial oatmeal stout.

In Illinois, a bill sent to Governor Bruce Rauner last month would allow more breweries to sell directly to consumers. Florida Governor Rick Scott signed a law in May that lets customers fill 64 ounce (1.9 litre) growlers at taps. In New York, a tax credit pushed through by Governor Andrew Cuomo is giving cash back to small brewers to boost growth.