CANNABIS AND THE BEER INDUSTRY

By Bart Watson

I last wrote about cannabis and the beer industry a little over two years ago. The basic premise back then was pretty simple: Although it was possible that in the future we might see some effects, at that point, I saw little to no evidence that legalized recreational cannabis was having an effect on beer sales. The release of a new report from the Distilled Spirits Council (DISCUS) that argued the same thing prompted me to re-visit the evidence.

Let’s start with what has changed. Eleven states have seen changes to the status of cannabis (7 by ballot measure, 4 via the legislature), with 7 allowing medical marijuana and 4 allowing recreational use. In addition, beer volumes declined around a percent in both 2017 and 2018. This overall weakness of beer volume, coupled with increased access to cannabis, seems to be the primary source of worry motivating theories about a link between the two products.

That said, if you look below those headline numbers, from the evidence currently available, I would say the same thing I said in late 2016: I currently see no evidence that marijuana legalization (medicinal or recreational), has had a clear effect in a singular direction on beer sales. The rest of this post will cover why.To read complete article click here:

Avocado pit biodegradable plastics

Mexican company converts avocado pits into completely biodegradable plastic

When you think of Mexico, you think of tequila and guacamole, says Scott Munguia. If he has his way, you might also be thinking of something else made from the avocado: plastic made from the seed.

As plastic straws and disposable cutlery fall out of favor for their potential to inflict environmental damage, a company with an alternative that uses avocado pits is getting more attention.

Morelia, Michoacán-based Biofase is manufacturing biodegradable cutlery and straws made out avocado seeds using a process whose beginnings date back to 2012.

Scott Mungía was a chemical engineering student at the time and, being motivated to solve pollution problems, was looking for a reliable source for biodegradable plastic.

After a trial-and-error process that tested the properties of raw materials such as mango and mamey sapote seeds, he happened to be reading a paper that included a picture of the corn molecule used to make bioplastic.

"I already knew what the avocado seed molecule looked like." says Munguia.

The idea was born. He went through two years of development, and now, with a team of 14 employees is poised to open a plant with a capacity of 700 tons a month in November. Mexico produces 300,000 pounds of avocados, or about 50% of the world's supply. The global market for bioplastic is $5.8 billion, according to Bioplastics News.

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We would like to congratulate our friends over at Fancy's Southern Cafe on working with us to acquire a license! Make sure to stop by Fancy's, grab a cocktail, and try out their amazing chicken and waffles!!!

8890 Salrose Ln #101, Fort Myers, FL 33912
 (239) 561-2988

Sage SRQ Opening

We would like to congratulate Sage SRQ on their opening and in running an extremely successful and FULLY BOOKED first week and weekend! It was a pleasure working with them to acquire their food and beverage licenses. If you are ever in Sarasota stop by, the food and cocktails were amazing!



1216 1st St, Sarasota, FL 34236
(941)445-5660
www.sagesrq.com

Edge district must be hotspot entertainment zone for St. Pete

Go inside No Vacancy, the midcentury Florida-motel themed bar that replaced Kings Street Food Counter in St. Pete's Edge District 

By Ashley Gurbal Kritzer  – Senior Reporter, Tampa Bay Business Journal

For St. Petersburg restaurateur Stephen Schrutt, a bar should be, above all else, an escape.

That's why his newest creation, No Vacancy, feels like a midcentury Florida motel, with vintage patio furniture, massive flamingo and conch shell punch bowls and neon signs.

"I go out to the beach — that's my escape," Schrutt, owner and founder of Hunger + Thirst Group. "And hitting some of these beach bars, I thought, I don't want to do a beach bar, but there's a lot of elements of the Florida vibe that are just so cool." 

Schrutt opened the bar quietly on Jan. 17, following a family and friends event; it's open to the public now, and a grand opening celebration is planned for Feb. 8.

It opens at 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and at 11 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Sunday brunch will likely debut in March, Schrutt said. 

No Vacancy replaces Kings Street Food Counter, a comfort food restaurant that Schrutt decided to close in August. Kings Street, which became known for its over-the-top milkshakes, wasn't growing from a revenue perspective after three years in business. It is the latest concept for Schrutt's restaurant group, which is also the parent company of the Avenue and Park & Rec, an "eatertainment" concept that is expanding to downtown Tampa. (That opening, Schrutt said, is about two months away.)

The Kings Street location, smack dab in the middle of the city's Edge district, wasn't the problem, Schrutt knew. He also knew that whatever came next would need a full liquor license to succeed. So he closed down Kings Street, and after mulling it over, decided it would be perfect for No Vacancy, an idea he's had for some time.After a renovation that Schrutt says was "more than six figures," the space is No Vacancy, a space that's made for selfies and Instagram-worthy shots with the squad. The menu mirrors the theme — it's laid back, featuring items like a fried fish sandwich, a Cuban sandwich and lobster cheese dip. There are frozen cocktails, punch bowls meant to be shared and Florida beers on draft. The ladies room is decked out in flamingo wallpaper and framed vintage Playboy covers. 

"It's Florida," Schrutt said of the concept. "You understand when it's from here and you think it's neat when you're not because it's a little bit of quirky Florida but not overdone. We wanted it to still be tasteful and a little bit cheeky and fun but come off as an escape."Click for full article

Have you been collecting the correct amount of sales tax?

As of January 1st 2019, Surtax rates have changed in 12 counties though-out the State of Florida. Please check the new rates below to ensure that you are collecting the correct amount of tax. 

Liquor License FL is here for all of your licensing needs.

(239) 205-4770

Info@LiquorLicenseFL.com

No ID? No problem!

Proposed bill would allow Florida residents to use electronic ID, registration

By Meneida Bailey, WKMG intern

Forgetting your driver's license at home while driving might no longer be an issue for Florida drivers if a proposed bill passes this legislative session.

Florida could be one of the first 14 states to accept electronic identification, according to a South Florida Sun-Sentinel report. 

Tampa Rep. James Grant is expected to sponsor a bill that would allow drivers to use electronic credentials, as opposed to hard copies, for ID and registration during traffic stops, as well as for voting and purchasing liquor, according to the Sentinel.

Florida drivers can already present proof of insurance electronically.

Grant co-sponsored a similar bill last year. it died in the Senate during its second reading due to concerns of potential hacking on mobile devices.

The Sun Sentinel reports the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators is developing standard protocols to enable to use of digital licenses.​https://www.clickorlando.com/news/proposed-bill-would-allow-florida-residents-to-use-electronic-id-registration

Clink link for article:

https://www.clickorlando.com/news/proposed-bill-would-allow-florida-residents-to-use-electronic-id-registration