Governor Francisco Vega signed a bill to promote and develop the craft beer industry at the same level wine has done in recent years.
The enacted bill changes the Law of Sale, Warehouse and Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages in the state with the goal to have appropriate legislation for craft beer and to stimulate conditions for its production and sale in the state.
The bill was supported by beer producers statewide.
The reformed law includes provisions to create the craft beer concept, as well as micro-breweries and craft beer boutiques.
Cities will be in charge of setting production limits and the cost of licenses.
Although it was created recently the craft beer industry has been underlined nationwide and over the world given the quality of its products, its contribution to gastronomy and tourist activities.
The state hopes more jobs and economic development will be generated with the detonation of the industry.
State growth above national rate
The state of Baja California’s economic growth has surpassed the national rate for the fifth consecutive quarter, said the National Institute of Statistics and Geography, or INEGI in Spanish.
The agency’s recently released report on Quarterly State Activity Indicator says the state grew 3.5 percent during the first three months of the year compared to the same period of 2015.
According to the report, the state’s primary activities, including farming and fishing, increased 22.2 percent, while the secondary activities climbed 3.6 percent and tertiary activities (trade and service) increased 2.8 percent.
Secretary of Economic Development Carlo Bonfante said the state’s Gross Domestic Product might suffer “minor adjustments” during the upcoming months, although the expectations are positive in the short term.
Unemployment rate was 2.4 percent in June, which represents 23 consecutive months of decrease, the secretary said.
Bonfante recalled figures from the Mexican Institute of Social Security, or IMSS in Spanish, that reported 36,373 new jobs statewide in the first semester of 2016.
The secretary hopes the positive economic tendency maintains for the remainder of the year based on job creation, as well as on manufacturing, exportations and trade growth.
Man killed in residence
A man was shot to death and another one injured Sunday after unknown individuals attacked a residence in eastern Mexicali, said the Municipal Public Safety Department.
Authorities said at 7 a.m. a report was made regarding the incident at Limoneros Avenue and Maricela Street at Colonia Granjas Santa Cecilia neighborhood.
The deceased victim was identified as Luis Francisco Rodríguez, 36, who had several shots on his body.
The injured man was identified as Gerardo Gordillo, 57, who had an injury on the head and fractures in both hands.
According to the surviving individual around 6 a.m. several suspects arrived on scene and shot the dead man, while the witness was punched several times.
No more details were provided.
