Last week, Gov. Snyder signed a package of bills into law that is expected to boost Michigan’s already-thriving craft beer industry.

The bills bumped up the caps to allow for continued growth in Michigan’s industry.

Microbreweries or craft breweries are generally independently-owned and are only able to produce a limited amount of beer.

The new laws allow microbrewers to produce 60,000 barrels per year, which is double the old limit. This allows them to produce more of their product without having to change licensing.

“We were bumping up into legislation that was hindering some of our brewery members’ ability to grow,” executive director of Michigan Brewers Guild Scott Graham said.

Social relations and policy junior Dilyn Zarb said the new laws could affect us directly in local bars.

“Craft beer is more popular than it’s ever been,” Zarb said. “If they now have the opportunity to make more barrels per year, that could mean more options for us, which will also be huge for the industry.”

Rep. Andy Schor, D-Lansing , a sponsor of one of the nine bills, said the new laws will provide more tools to expand Michigan’s craft beer industry.

Michigan is currently ranked fifth in the nation in the number of craft breweries.

“The intention is to increase economic development,” Schor said. “It will produce jobs, it will produce economic opportunities and help out an industry that is thriving in Michigan.”

Significant changes to the legislation allow brewpub owners to now have six brewpubs rather than three, with a total maximum of 18,000 barrels of beer per year.

The laws also allow for more tasting rooms. Smaller breweries that make these craft brews now can have three tasting rooms where they were formerly allotted two, Schor said.

Before the laws went into effect, brewpubs could only have one tasting room. They are now allowed two, Schor said.