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Committee hears industry testimony on alcohol omnibus; bills would let small brewers self-distribute and expand tasting-room sales
Summary
Witnesses urged the Government Operations & Military Affairs committee to back parts of an alcohol omnibus that would let small brewers self-distribute (proposed cap: 5,000 barrels) and expand tasting-room privileges for distillers and wineries; the Department of Liquor and Lottery said it generally supports the proposals with drafting caveats.
The Government Operations & Military Affairs committee took industry testimony on an alcohol omnibus package that includes H.672 (self-distribution for small brewers), H.832 (changes to class 4 tasting-room rules) and H.647 (additional first-class tasting-room locations for wineries).
Industry witnesses said current licensing and distribution structures make it costly and difficult for small, rural producers to reach customers and stay solvent. "The nickels matter," said Levi Kramer, owner of Kramer and Kin, summarizing the financial strain of running a separate distribution business while operating a microbrewery. Kramer told the committee his operation produced about 500 barrels last year and that a recent distribution payment was $1,245, which he said competes with payroll and other operating costs.
Aaron Hill, owner of Black Back Pub, testified that H.672 "provides a practical pathway forward," describing how a self-distribution allowance up to 5,000 barrels would let small breweries demonstrate market viability to distributors and…
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