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Representative’s bill to classify mead as small farm winery wins committee approval
Summary
House Bill 1370 would add mead to the small farm winery statute so meaderies can obtain small‑farm wine permits, inspections, direct shipping and tax classification rather than rely on administrative rules; ABC director confirmed inspections and health certificates will apply.
Representative Bryant (District 96) presented House Bill 1370 to the committee to codify that mead can be treated in the small farm winery category. "Mead is a fermented honey," Bryant said, and the bill would move mead from rule classification into statute so meaderies may be taxed and permitted under small farm winery provisions and receive the same statutory benefits.
Norley Chanlin, director of the Alcoholic Beverage Control and Tobacco Control Administration, explained why the change is necessary: treating mead as a small farm wine product in statute will allow direct shipping and other small‑farm winery benefits that rules did not permit. Chanlin also said facilities would be inspected and the health department would provide required health certificates as part of the permit process.
The committee voted to pass HB1370 by voice vote; Representative Bryant closed without further testimony.
