As craft beer breweries blossom across the state, lawmakers are reviewing legislation that could open up other boozy businesses supporters say have stymied by regulations.
With the two-month legislative session underway, several pieces of legislation will be considered that could reduce regulation on craft distilleries, allow dogs inside of breweries and allow small restaurants in Kissimmee and St. Cloud to serve liquor.
The various proposals have been supported by various members of the of Central Florida delegation, including Republican Reps. Anthony Sabatini, Mike La Rosa, Josie Tomkow, as well as Democratic Sen. Linda Stewart.
Opposition to some of the legislation has come from Orlando-based ABC Fine Wines & Spirits and the Wine and Beer Distributors of Florida. But Phil McDaniel president of the Florida Craft Distillers Guild, is optimistic the industry could see a loosening of regulations.
“I think there will be some compromise,” McDaniel said.
Craft distilleries
While craft beer breweries and wineries are allowed to hold multiple licenses, allowing both to sell and serve their creations, distilleries aren’t able to hold more than one.
McDaniel said a Senate bill filed by Sen. Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg would put spirit makers on equal footing. It soared through two committees.
The bills would allow for shipping to out-of-state customers, opening up local distilleries to wider markets.
“When people come on vacation, they want to experience things that are made here…and bring them back home,” McDaniel said. “If these laws change, I think you’re going to see rapid growth.”
However, Scott Dick, a lobbyist for ABC Fine Wines & Spirits, told senators last month the organization was opposing the bill because it gave distillers the benefits that breweries and wineries receive, said allows them to distribute out of state, something distributors aren’t allowed to do.
“We look at it as a work in progress,” he said.
Scott Ashley, president of the Wine and Beer Distributors of Florida, told the Commerce and Tourism Committee his group also opposed it because distillers would compete with distributors and wouldn’t be required to maintain farmland or use mostly Florida agriculture as certified Florida Farm Wineries must.
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