Alcoholics unite…in Florida! Half-gallon growlers are now permitted (by law, mind you) to be sold by microbreweries!
Do you prefer fresh Jai Alai from off the tap? Or don’t feel like constantly going back to Pair O’ Dice Brewery for the Russian Roulette Imperial Stout? Or would rather have large quantities of Mad Beach Brewing’s Another Day in Paradise since no other brewery makes that kind of brew? Well Floridians, you’re in luck!
The Senate voted in favor of microbreweries, so SB 186 now allows microbreweries to sell half-gallon growlers to consumers. The bill which controls alcohol distribution and sales adopted this new law on April 15, 2015. The bill also allows for tap rooms to be fully open to customers.
It’s pretty obvious, but this law allows for better business toward microbreweries and expansion of the craft beer community here in Florida.
Unfortunately, we’re still waiting on the signature from Governor Rick Scott. But hey, the Senate supports both delicious beer and local business. Hoorah!
But why not permit the bill? Maximize growth in local business, work more competition with larger beer distributors, and reduce the amount of dude-bros getting wasted on that Natty Light. Senator Jack Latvala, R-Clearwater, is on our team; he’s been pushing this bill for the past three years in hopes this looser policy will contribute greatly to our local economy.
We also have lots of team members helping make our craft beer dreams come true. Florida Beer Wholesalers Association and Florida Brewers Guild are advocating for more support toward the sale of growlers and more lenient policies on tap rooms.
Well this is good news for Florida since we’re one of the states that made the most headway as far as approving laws that benefit microbreweries, especially our local breweries.
So go ahead, exercise your right as an American citizen in the state of Florida to purchase a half-gallon growler of your favorite brew! The land of the free, the home of the brave, and ultimately the state of Florida supports your decision!
Source: Tampa Bay Times
– Stephanie Jensen