SB 822- Relating to Beverage Law
On Thursday, March 1st, SB 822 by Senator Travis Hutson (R-Palm Coast) was heard before the Senate Committee on Rules and passed by a vote of 12 yeas to 0 yeas. 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 allows a written agreement between a manufacturer or importer of malt beverages and an alcoholic beverage vendor for brand naming rights, including the right to advertise cooperatively from the “tied house evil” prohibitions. The agreement must then be negotiated at arm’s length for no more than fair market value.
SB 822 will move on to the Senate floor for consideration.
AIF SUPPORTS legislation that removes burdensome regulations on Florida’s businesses.
HB 33- Relating to Texting while Driving
On Thursday, March 1st, HB 33, by Representative Jackie Toledo (R-Tampa) and Representative Emily Slosberg (D-Delray Beach) was read for a third time on the House floor and passed by a vote of 112 yeas to 2 nays.
Currently, Florida law prohibits a person from texting, emailing, and instant messaging while driving, however, enforcement of this is a secondary offense, which means a law enforcement officer must detain a driver for another traffic offense in order to cite the driver for texting while driving. The bill would change the current enforcement of the ban on texting while driving from a secondary offense to a primary offense, allowing law enforcement officers to stop a vehicle solely for texting while driving. The main goal of this legislation is to eliminate a component that contributes to distracted driving on Florida’s roadways.
HB 33 is now in Senate messages.
AIF supports legislation that addresses the issue of distracted driving and will ensure public safety for all on Florida’s roadways.
