
| Cast your vote for beer! |
| Potential voters in Rochester, NY now have a strong incentive to vote - free beer. Both the Democrat and Republican parties will be giving out 2 samples of beer to anyone over 21 years old who registers to vote for the first time. The program targets younger voters who have the lowest registration rate in the country. Monroe County (NY) Democratic chair person Molly Clifford said, "We are not at all promoting alcohol. We are promoting voting, and promoting political participation. Andy Moore, her Republican counterpart added, " And of course if someone doesn't want to try the tasting they are still welcome to register." Special sign up booths will be placed at local minor league baseball games and at community festivals. |


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| Craft Beer Sales Rise Despite a drop in overall beer consumption in the US during the last 12 months imports increased by 1.9% while craft beer sales rose by 3.4% according to the Association of Brewers. The craft beer industry grew at a greater rate than imports for the first time since 1996 indicating a shift in choices being made by the American consumer. Growth was fueled by regional specialty brewers who produce 15,000 to 2 million barrels. Their production gains offset losses by contract brewers, microbreweries, and brewpubs. The Association of Brewers reports that the US currently has 1,426 craft breweries, 986 brewpubs, 385 microbreweries, and 55 regional specialty breweries currently operating. |