Cheers! Florida revamps antiquated beer distribution law
Blog Post
Beginning July 1, 2015, consumers in the state of Florida will be able to purchase 64-ounce growlers, the container of choice for craft beer fans throughout the country.
Until now, Florida was the only state that prohibited the sale of the containers, which are preferred because they can be filled directly from a tap, allowing fans to take their beer home. Florida’s depression-era regulations were long bolstered by support from large distributors, who used Florida’s regulation to limit craft brewers. But as craft beer has exploded in popularity, the vocal opposition to Florida’s antiquated distribution laws became deafening.
On May 14, 2015, Governor Rick Scott signed Senate Bill 186 into law, permitting the sale of 64-ounce growlers. The law also removes limits on taprooms, allows breweries to set up taprooms in eight locations around the state. This new law is a boon to the entrepreneurial brewers that are leading Florida’s craft beer movement.
Until now, Florida was the only state that prohibited the sale of the containers, which are preferred because they can be filled directly from a tap, allowing fans to take their beer home. Florida’s depression-era regulations were long bolstered by support from large distributors, who used Florida’s regulation to limit craft brewers. But as craft beer has exploded in popularity, the vocal opposition to Florida’s antiquated distribution laws became deafening.
On May 14, 2015, Governor Rick Scott signed Senate Bill 186 into law, permitting the sale of 64-ounce growlers. The law also removes limits on taprooms, allows breweries to set up taprooms in eight locations around the state. This new law is a boon to the entrepreneurial brewers that are leading Florida’s craft beer movement.