Here’s a news item from the Associated Press: BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho beer distributors are taking issue with a Boise brewpub now that the business has been purchased by Anheuser-Busch. The Idaho Statesman (http://bit.ly/1GLEvpb) reports the beer outlets contend that 10 Barrel brewpub is now too big to operate as a small brewery under Idaho state law. Idaho has a three-tiered system that requires alcohol producers, distributors and retail sellers to operate independently of each other. The law is designed to prevent large producers from controlling the distribution chain and squeezing out competitors. Members of the Idaho Beer and Wine Distributors Association say the Anheuser-Busch purchase means 10 Barrel now occupies two tiers. Currently, the Idaho State Police's Alcohol Beverage Control unit only counts beer produced in Idaho. Lt. Russ Wheatley says the state will review the complaint. 10 Barrel brewery produces about 42,000 barrels sold in Oregon, Idaho and Washington state.

Idaho Statesman reporter Zach Kyle's full report is online here.