Distribution (Florida)

[Jeffri07]

Hello,

I am under the belief that Florida does not allow independent/self distribution of spirits. Now, they do allow purchase (limited) at a tasting room.

Question- does no self-distribution mean that you/we are unable to sell ANY amount/quantity of our product to ANY bar or restaurant without a distributor?

Thank you,

Jeff

[Rum]

Correct. We can not self distribute in any form. We can sell two bottles per person per year through our tasting room.

[daveflintstone]

Correct. We can not self distribute in any form. We can sell two bottles per person per year through our tasting room.

Is there any attempt or intention to enforce this silly rule? Are there inspectors visiting a tasting room 10 months apart attempting to catch you selling a contraband 3rd bottle? What are the consequences of non-compliance? Seems like an impossible record keeping task for a tasting room.

[RyeWater]

Is there any attempt or intention to enforce this silly rule? Are there inspectors visiting a tasting room 10 months apart attempting to catch you selling a contraband 3rd bottle? What are the consequences of non-compliance? Seems like an impossible record keeping task for a tasting room.

Yeah that law really seems to be a bit underthought. Are they really that worried that someone is going to come in every day and buy 2 bottles of craft liquor.

[andya919]

That's why you shouldn't sell craft in the "bible" belt….too much neo-prohibition and antiquated laws….Mentality.

[Rum]

The state is looking for us to make "best efforts" to abide by the rules. Given that there are interests who opposed craft distillers being able to sell any amount of spirits, I would not be surprised to find compliance being tested by someone. We would like to expand the law at a future date. Any craft distiller in the state getting caught breaking the rules will hamper that effort.

We use an add-on product to our POS system that captures info on buyers by a scan of their drivers license. If they have purchased previously we can see the buying history. It also does an automatic age check for us.

While it is definitely restrictive, it is far better than last year at this time when we couldn't sell any bottles direct to consumers.

[Sunshine Distillery]

What are the specific laws reguarding the tasting rooms? Can we sell an empty glass to tourist and then fill the glass with spirits? Can we add cranberry juice or any other additive to the glass also to make it a cocktail?