Stronger beer bill passes the Senate

Beer lovers are cheering passage of bill that will allow stronger beer to be sold in stores across Vermont. The specialty beers, with an alcohol contest of more than 8 percent, are now only available in liquor stores. The bill, which was passed by the Vermont House last year and the Senate this week, would allow the beer to be sold at grocery and convenience stores statewide.

Morning Newscast: April 4, 2008

Here are the top stories at 7:30 a.m.: Vermont’s Senators say homeowners in their state can use some help; the Vermont Senate wants the state Attorney General to investigate whether oil companies are fixing prices and gouging customers;  a Mendon hotel has been shut down by the state after tests confirmed it as the source for a case of Legionnaires’ disease;  and a worldwide shortage in hops, a key ingredient in beer, is hitting home in Vermont.