A limited exception to the provisions of Code Sections 3-5-29 through 3-5-32 providing a three-tier system for the distribution and sale of malt beverages shall exist for owners and operators of brewpubs, subject to the following terms and conditions:

(1) No individual shall be permitted to own or operate a brewpub without first obtaining a proper license from the commissioner in the manner provided in this title, and each brewpub licenseholder shall comply with all other applicable state and local license requirements;

(2) A brewpub license authorizes the holder of such license to:

(A) Manufacture on the licensed premises not more than 5,000 barrels of beer in a calendar year solely for retail sale on the premises and solely in draft form;

(B) Operate an eating establishment that shall be the sole retail outlet for such beer and may offer for sale any other alcoholic beverages produced by other manufacturers which are authorized for retail sale under this title, including wine, distilled spirits, and malt beverages, provided that such alcoholic beverages are purchased from a licensed wholesaler for consumption on the premises only; and, provided, further, that in addition to draft beer manufactured on the premises, each brewpub licensee shall offer for sale commercially available canned or bottled malt beverages from licensed wholesalers; and

(C) Notwithstanding any other provision of this paragraph, sell up to a maximum of 500 barrels annually of such beer to licensed wholesale dealers for distribution to retailers and retail consumption dealers;

(3) Possession of a brewpub license shall not prevent the holder of such license from obtaining a retail consumption dealer's license or a retailer's license for the same premises;

(4) A brewpub license does not authorize the holder of such license to sell alcoholic beverages by the package for consumption off the premises;

(5) A brewpub licensee shall not offer or permit any free sampling of beer by its customers on the premises of a brewpub;

(6) The commissioner shall not issue a brewpub license if the brewpub premises are located in a county or municipality in which the sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited; and

(7) A brewpub licensee shall:

(A) Pay all state and local license fees and excise taxes applicable to individuals licensed by this state as manufacturers, retailers, and, where applicable, wholesalers under this title;

(B) At the request of the commissioner, provide an irrevocable letter of credit or an Irrevocable Standby Financial Guarantee Bond in favor of the State of Georgia in an amount sufficient to guarantee such brewpub licensee's estimated tax liability for the first year of operation; and

(C) Measure beer manufactured on the premises and otherwise comply with applicable regulations respecting excise and enforcement tax determination of such beer as required by this title.