SB 388-Relating to Beverage Law

On Wednesday, April 12th, SB 388, by Senator Travis Hutson (R-Palm Coast), was heard before the Senate Committee on Rules and passed. AIF’s Senior Vice President of State and Federal Affairs, Brewster Bevis, stood in support of this bill.

Florida’s “Tied House Evil Law,” s. 561.42, F.S., prohibits a manufacturer or distributor of alcoholic beverages from having a financial interest, directly or indirectly, in the establishment or business of a licensed vendor, and prohibits a manufacturer or distributor from giving gifts, loans, property, or rebates to retail vendors.

The bill exempts financial transactions between a vendor and a manufacturer from all tied evil house prohibitions if the following conditions are met:

• The financial transaction must be negotiated at arm’s length for fair market value between a manufacturer of beer or malt beverages, and
• The financial transaction cannot involve, either all or in part, the direct sale or distribution of beer or malt beverages between the manufacturer and the licensed vendor.

SB 388 will now go to the Senate floor to be heard.

AIF SUPPORTS this legislation because it would remove unnecessary and outdated regulations on Florida’s businesses.