When Sean Willcott received a home brew kit in 2012, he could not have predicted it would lead to owning a business, becoming an activist, and eventually joining the Kansas state legislature.
Until recently, only 2% of beer sold in Kansas was produced locally. This was not due to supply or demand issues but rather an alcohol distribution system that favored large commercial producers. In 2024, Americans for Prosperity-Kansas (AFP-KS) drafted and passed HB 2124, allowing brewers to bypass distributors and sell directly to retailers.
Sean's brewing journey began as a hobby but grew into a passion for crafting unique flavors. He worked with Anheuser-Busch in St. Louis before returning to Kansas to open his brewery in Holton after six years of preparation.
However, Kansas' three-tier alcohol distribution system posed challenges. Brewers were required to use middlemen distributors instead of selling directly to customers. Distributors often preferred commercial producers like Anheuser-Busch because they provided consistent supply and bulk profitability, making it harder for craft brewers with higher costs and smaller batches.
Brewers were also assigned distributors based on location without recourse if the relationship soured. The Kansas Craft Brewers Guild (KCBG) revealed that many microbreweries faced similar challenges under this system.
Recognizing the need for change, Sean partnered with AFP-KS, who opposed the three-tier system due to its impact on small businesses. They drafted HB 2124 to allow brewers direct sales rights and lessen distributor reliance.
AFP-KS launched "Let the Good Times Brew," a campaign raising awareness through events and citizen engagement. Despite resistance from distributors and Big Alcohol players, HB 2124 passed in April 2024, granting microbrewers self-distribution rights for up to 1,000 barrels.
Sean now represents House District 62 in Kansas and continues working with AFP-KS on policy reforms benefiting small businesses.
