New Oklahoma laws will boost the craft beer trade

TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — The makers and fans of Tulsa craft beers are going to be among the winners when it comes to Oklahoma’s new liquor laws.

As of Monday, convenience and grocery stores can sell cold, high beer and wine.

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That greatly increases the sales options for the breweries, from about 400 liquor stores to as many as 4000 total outlets.

The folks who run Cabin Boys Brewery at 7th and Lewis were working hard all weekend.

Brewer Austin McIlroy said they worked hard.

"If you can see the bags under my eyes. I was out at the Kum and Go's and Quiktrip and Reasor’s all night restocking the shelves to get all the strong ale, "McIlroy said.”

Their relatively new operation, is going to be aggressive in dealing with this new opportunity by adding equipment.

McIlroy said, "It’s also a little stressful, because we're only ten-months old. Call us ambitions but were taking it head on and having a lot of fun with it."

A few blocks to the east on 6th Street, Marshall Brewing their company is in its 10th year and they’re also facing a challenge that’s exciting and a little scary.

They opened a new tap room to take advantage of the legal changes and the whole family was excited to see their beer cans in Sam’s.

Eric Marshall said, “We were there the other day Saturday. They had everything wrapped up and got a picture of my wife and kids and a family selfie.”

It’s a whole new arena with shoppers who might not otherwise see their product.

Marshall said they're proud of their progress and he thinks the local craft business has more room to grow.

“As long as it’s responsible growth and people are doing it the right way. I think there's a lot of positivity there."

Having craft been in up to 4000 stores can’t hurt.