Understanding the legal responsibilities that come with operating establishments such as bars, restaurants, taprooms, and tasting rooms is essential for ensuring smooth operations while upholding principles of fairness and inclusivity. In this post, we’ll delve into the intricate terrain of anti-discrimination laws in the United States, with a particular focus on Florida, shedding light on permissible reasons for refusing...
Continue ReadingWe reviewed the 2021 Florida Craft Distilleries Law in two prior blog posts–2021 Florida Craft Distilleries Law: General Overview and 2021 Florida Craft Distilleries Law: Destination Entertainment Venues–but questions remain. Following are just five questions we have about the new law. Question #1: Can new Florida craft distillery apply directly for the DD(CD) license? It is unclear whether a...
Continue ReadingWhen Governor Rick Scott signed into law CS/SB 186, he largely ended Florida’s state of growler confusion. However, the 2015 beverage law–which is now known as Florida Law 2015-12–will do much more to improve the status of craft beverages in Florida when it becomes effective July 1, 2015. This article describes how Florida’s breweries, distilleries, distributors, and vendors can...
Continue ReadingAs previously reported, the ABT has adopted a new policy requiring all taproom license applications to be reviewed in the Tallahassee district office. The new policy was announced in an email from Marie Fraher, the ABT’s Chief of Licensing, in an email to ABT licensing personnel. We obtained a copy of Ms. Fraher’s email by public records request, and...
Continue ReadingWhat does the lawsuit by Florida Independent Spirits Association (FISA) mean for Florida’s existing breweries and breweries-in-process? Our take on January 14, 2015 is contained in this Q&A.
Continue ReadingLabels on alcoholic beverage containers must comply with both U.S. and Florida laws and regulations. The reason these laws exist is to ensure container labels accurately represent the beverage inside. Beverage manufacturers must include specific information on the product labels. Florida manufacturers must also comply with the Florida Alcohol Beverage and Tobacco’s (ABT) label registration process and, in some...
Continue ReadingThere were no new brewpubs who joined the rank of active Florida brewpubs in March 2014. McGuire’s Irish Pub and Brewzzi again top the monthly sales rankings, but newcomer Tomoka Brewery and Fermentation Lounge had big months. Sailfish Brewing Company made the jump to the production brewery roles. It’s all on The Brewpub Report. Notes about The Florida Brewpubs Report...
Continue ReadingThe 2014 session of the Florida Legislature ended, Friday, May 2. Twelve bills were proposed to change Florida laws governing the beverage industry. None of them got passed by both houses of the Legislature. The only beverage bill that got to a floor vote–Senate Bill 1714, which passed the Senate by a vote of 30-10–was loudly decried by Florida...
Continue Reading***Updated April, 27, 2014 9:00 pm to reflect proposed strike-all amendment to Senate Bill 1714 filed by bill sponsor, Senator Kelli Stargel. Updates reflected as struck-through and underlined text.*** This past week saw action on only two beverage bills, but the action was dramatic. With one week remaining in the 2014 Florida legislative session, the story becomes a tale...
Continue ReadingAs of March 22, 2014, a total of 11 beverage industry bills are up for consideration in the Florida Legislature. All but a handful of those bills are focused on dramatically reshaping the operation of Florida’s breweries. To help beverage industry players and enthusiasts track the activity in Tallahassee, we bring you our weekly legislative update. Committee Approves New...
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