Following his work lobbying the state of Texas to permit the state’s breweries to sell beer to go, Adam DeBower, Austin Beerworks’ co-founder and director of operations, has been recognized with a national industry award.

The Brewers Association, a nationwide nonprofit trade association for independent craft brewers, on June 30 announced DeBower received its 2020 F.X. Matt Defense of the Industry Award. The award is given to individuals or companies to recognize “contributions and efforts in championing the small brewing industry,” according to the Brewers Association.

DeBower in 2017 founded CraftPAC, a political action committee focused on advocating for brewers’ rights in Texas, and currently serves as the chair of the Texas Craft Brewers Guild Legislative Committee.

In 2019, DeBower and other Texas brewers successfully lobbied the 86th Texas Legislature to allow all breweries, regardless of license type, to sell beer to go at their breweries. Previously, only breweries licensed as brewpubs were permitted to sell beer to go from their facilities. Texas was the last state to legalize the practice.

“It’s an incredible honor,” DeBower told the Brewers Association while accepting the award. “I’m extraordinarily proud of our industry, and I’m extraordinarily proud of our state guild.”