SB 470 – relating to Malt Beverage Tastings
On Tuesday, April 22nd, SB 470, relating to Malt Beverage Tastings, by Senator Nancy Detert (R-Venice) unanimously passed the Senate Committee on Appropriations. AIF Senior Vice President of State and Federal Affairs, Brewster Bevis, stood in support of the bill during the committee. The bill now heads to the Senate Committee on Rules.
The bill repeals the prohibition against beer tastings and creates conditions under which the tastings could be held. More specifically, the bill allows malt beverage tastings on premises of any vendor authorized to sell alcoholic beverages by the drink for consumption on premises or the premises of any vendor authorized to sell alcoholic beverages only in sealed containers for consumption off premises if it has at least 10,000 square feet or is a licensed package store. Current law permits only wine and liquor distributors and vendors to conduct wine and liquor tastings at licensed premises that are authorized to sell such beverages.
AIF supports this legislation because it creates a level playing field here in the state for beer manufacturers.
