Homebrewing gets OK by Thai cabinet – with limits

Home brewing became less illegal today under new rules meant to increase competition – and possibly deflate the prospects of a more ambitious bill before parliament.

The new regulations approved by the cabinet yesterday would ease requirements for microbreweries by allowing them to use larger machinery and employ more workers as well as allow small-batch brewing at home. The cabinet approved the measure before parliament was today set to fast-track a popular opposition bill that would go much further to break the brewing oligopoly and decriminalize alcohol production. 

Hobbyists 20 and up may now brew up to 200 liters of alcohol annually for personal use and apply for noncommercial production licenses. Their facilities must be spacious enough to brew without disturbing others. 

Brewpubs are no longer required to have a 100,000-liter production…