By Susan Cover, Press Herald Staff Writer

A bill to allow brew pubs to sell half-gallon containers of beer earned unanimous committee approval on Wednesday, according to the House Majority Office.

Rep. Nancy Smith, D-Monmouth, sponsored the bill to allow Maine brewers who operate brew pubs to sell growlers filled by bartenders from the taps.

Growlers, which are reusable and often made of glass, would have to be sealed by the bartender and could not be sold after 10 p.m. There would be no limit on how many growlers could be purchased at one time.

Current law allows brew pubs to sell growlers, but only from a second entrance.

"This legislation opens up a new product line for Maine's small brewers," Smith said in a statement. "With appropriate restrictions to address public safety concerns, Maine's brew pubs will be able to provide to their customers with their quality products for off-premises consumption. This is a big success."

The Legal and Veterans Affairs Committee will review its final amended language before sending the bill on to the Legislature for consideration.