TALLAHASSEE -- A state Senate panel has approved a measure that would allow beer tastings by vendors and distributors across Florida.
The Senate Regulated Industries Committee passed the measure unanimously Thursday. The bill (SB 470) would eliminate the existing prohibition on beer tastings for manufacturers, distributors and others. It would legalize tastings for all malt beverages at places licensed for on-site consumption and licensed to sell the drinks by package.
Existing state law already allows wine and spirituous beverage vendors and distributors to hold tastings at locations where it’s legal to sell the drinks, according to a staff analysis on the bill.
The bill must still pass through three committees before it heads to the Senate floor. Companion legislation (HB 387) in the House has not received a hearing.