In a recent post on their website, SB 1714 supporter and Florida Beer Wholesalers Association member Pepin Distributing published an article in support of SB 1714. According to Pepin, the bill (SB 1714):
*will not harm brewers,
*will actually support small breweries, and
*will limit unfair competition.
The Pepin author cites numerous examples for support and reminds readers that originally the law that craft brewers currently operate under was designed “to be about selling a ‘sample’ to go; not competing directly by selling at manufacturer’s cost with retailers.” The Pepin essay cites three examples with numbers for support and defends the bill saying that the cap on a brewery’s on-premise sales is more than breweries currently sell.
For a full text, click this link.
In fairness, Pepin does bring up points worth mentioning, but does not scratch the surface of SB 1714’s effect on small and emerging brewers.
Bottom line: when a room full of craft brewers drive all the way to Tallahassee, (then are given one minute to speak) something is wrong. This bill represents thousands of dollars being taken from brewers and being mandated elsewhere. The house has commented in favor of killing the bill, but it looks like it may be a while before 64oz growlers are legal in Florida. Finally, in an article in the Tampa Bay Business Journal, Pepin voices confidence that if this bill does not get passed this legislative session, then it will be a priority in the next legislative session.