Half-Gallon Size Viewed By Businesses, Consumers As Best
In a culmination of three years of lobbying efforts from the craft brew industry and state Sen. Jack Latvala (R-Clearwater) and Reps. Chris Sprowls (R-Palm Harbor) and Dana Young (R-Tampa), Florida Governor Rick Scott has signed a bill that will allow Florida’s breweries to begin selling beer in 64-ounce refillable containers known as “growlers.” In a statement regarding the signing Scott said, “By making the sale of 64-ounce growlers legal in Florida, we are eliminating another burdensome regulation and allowing more Florida businesses to succeed.” Prior to the new regulation, which takes effect July 1, the state’s breweries have only been able to sell 32-ounce and 128-ounce growlers. However, brewers and craft beer enthusiasts alike widely prefer to purchase 64-ounce containers.
In addition to allowing brewers to sell their wares in the most popular size, SB 186 also removes a mandate that craft breweries operate as tourist attractions. This regulation was first implemented to benefit Busch Gardens in Tampa, but had been widely contested by the craft beer industry. However, some were concerned lifting that restriction could enable large beer manufacturers to open smaller tasting rooms with only their own wares. Thus, the new measure also limits breweries to the sale of their beer at eight locations and enacts limits on the amount of beer that can be transported between locations operated by the same brewery.
What Happens Next
With the governor’s signing, the bill now becomes a law that will take effect July 1 across Florida.
What This Means For Small Businesses
Outdated and burdensome regulations are problematic for small businesses across the US. In Florida, many small businesses make their livelihood in the craft beer industry. Though the industry has seen growth in recent years, it has been hampered by state regulations. Removing unnecessary and confusing restrictions on growler sizes is good for beer drinkers and small business owners alike.
Additional Reading
The AP and the Miami Herald provide details of the new craft beer regulations. The controversy led to the launch of the spoof Twitter account @64ozGrowler, which has offered a lighthearted take on the situation.
