HB 45 and HB 46 would let brewpubs expand, produce hard seltzer December 24, 2020 Delaware craft breweries and brewpubs, which have been among the businesses hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, could see new opportunities for growth under state legislation filed Dec. 18. Sponsored by Rep. Bill Bush, D-Dover West, House Bill 45 would allow Delaware breweries to own and operate up to five brewpubs in the state, an increase from the three currently permitted. Brewpubs in Delaware are licensed by the Office of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commissioner. “By capping these licenses at three, we are unnecessarily stunting the growth of our brewpubs, and in many cases, causing them to expand out of our state,” said Bush. “Allowing additional licenses will give our local craft breweries the ability to grow, creating jobs and opportunities here in Delaware.”