Micro-Distillery Legislation Passes House Committee

COLUMBUS—The Ohio House Commerce and Labor Committee today passed House Bill 86, announced bill sponsor, State Rep. Jeff LaRe (R-Violet Twp.). 

This legislation will increase micro-distillery production limits and revise the cost for liquor tasting samples.

“This bill reemphasizes my priority of making Ohio the most business-friendly state and will continue to help pandemic recovery for small businesses who are still finding ways to make up for lost revenue,” said LaRe. 

A few highlights from House Bill 86 are as follows:

1. Increases allowable liquor production for A-3a liquor permit holders;
2. Removes the 25 cent liquor sample cost requirement and allows stores with a D-8 permit to offer consumable tasting samples on-site; and
3. Removes grains of paradise, a spice from the ginger family that is currently used in Bombay Sapphire, from the list of substances that are prohibited for use in the adulteration of liquor.

This bill is a reintroduction of House Bill 629 from the 134th General Assembly.

House Bill 86 awaits a vote on the House floor.