Free To Brew

Joining the show is Cameron Smith general counsel and vice president of implementation for the R Street Institute, where he oversees how R Street implements and communicates the policy solutions its experts develop. He also handles a wide range of the institute’s legal matters. Cameron, and his team at R Street uncovered Alabama's over zealous Alcohol (Nanny) Control board attempting to ban the sale of pitchers of Margarita's to adults. Why? Your guess is as good as ours but there may be something to do with trying to stay relevant in a world that needs no such thing as an Alcohol Control Board. Cameron explains how his team was able to, almost overnight, pressure the nanny's in Alabama to reverse their decision and let consenting adults voluntarily purchase pitchers of Margaritas once again.  Also how we can replicate the success R Street is having!

Buying beer and mimosas at 10AM on Sunday! When did North Carolina become so edgy! Eric Rowel, local Mecklenburg County activist, the figure behind #sundayequality, and concerned citizen joins the show not just for a victory lap but an explanation of how a bill over Sunday alcohol sales was passed in North Carolina. While other states have eradicated blue laws, getting 2 hours extra on Sunday was a huge achievement for this Old North State. We discuss the vicotry, how future alcohol reform can succeed, and why this policy gained such traction and support. Also, listen into the surprise at the end where Eric reveals a surprise about my future.

Jake Curtis, Associate Council and Federalism Litigator at the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty Center, joins the show to discuss how the drinking age has played a role in shaping federal precedent. The Federal government of these United States and the States are in a constant tug of war over power to regulate, but figuring out the role for each is not necessarily set in stone. Jake uncovers how precedent set by liquor and alcohol have shaped not only the drinking age but have created a domino effect with implications on future Supreme Court rulings. Don't worry folks, my Alcohol Commerce Clause was met and as a bonus, we argue over the Packers place in the NFL.

Wonderful show with special guest Matt Kibbe joining the podcast! Matt is the former President of "FreedomWorks" and current President and Chief Community Organizer of "Free the People", an economist by training, public policy expert, a best-selling author, and first and foremost craft beer lover! As a disruptive force in politics, Beer is the perfect microcosm example to discuss problems of top-down central planning and the forces of government planning. Matt, explains the "Beer Freedom Index" (wish I thought of that) and why the less freedom a country has, the less likely it will have a tasty brew.... if at all! We also dive into the correlations the industry has with technology, the sharing economy, the war on drugs and if we have learned anything from prohibition. Finally, we answer "Is beer the perfect example of liberty in action?"