HB 961-Relating to Malt Beverages & SB 1224- Relating to Beverage Law

On Thursday, February 22nd, HB 961 by Representative Joe Gruters (R- Sarasota) was heard before the House Commerce Committee and passed by a vote of 23 yeas to 3 nays. AIF’s Senior Vice President of State and Federal Affairs, Brewster Bevis, stood in support of this bill.

On Thursday, February 22nd, SB 1224, by Senator Rob Bradley (R-Orange Park) was heard before the Senate Committee on Appropriations and passed by a vote of 20 yeas to 0 nays. AIF’s Senior Vice President of State and Federal Affairs, Brewster Bevis, stood in support of this bill.

Currently, vendors must purchase beer or malt beverage branded glassware from distributors for use in their establishments. This legislation allows for retailers to accept malt or beer beverage branded glassware from a wholesaler at no cost. Both bills were amended during their respective committee stops to change the amount of branded glassware a distributor may give to no more than 10 cases per calendar year.

HB 961 will go on to House floor for consideration.

SB 1224 will go on to the Senate floor for consideration.

AIF SUPPORTS legislation that will reduce costs on Florida’s businesses by allowing distributors to provide vendors, at no cost, glassware to use in their establishments.