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West Virginia's emerging craft beer industry wants legislators to help them grow.

 

The state has nearly a dozen craft brewers, and representatives say that number could grow if the state licensing and regulatory process was streamlined.

 

The representatives appealed to lawmakers Tuesday in Charleston, according to The Charleston Gazette.

 

To operate a brew pub today in West Virginia is no easy matter. A resident brewer license costs $1,500 a year, plus a $5,000 bond. Add to that a brewpub license at $1,000 a year, not including bonding.

 

Brian Arnett is president of the West Virginia Craft Brewers Guild. He said streamlining and lower fees would encourage growth of small craft breweries in places where it's not currently feasible.