Pro-small business bill will allow for growth of local industries and promote jobs
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 17, 2014
JUNEAU – Tonight, the Alaska Legislature approved House Democratic Leader Chris Tuck’s bill to allow craft distillers in Alaska to promote their product in much the same way Alaska’s microbreweries and wineries already do. The Alaska state Senate passed the bill unanimously tonight.
“This will make it more feasible for distillers to attract customers by hosting tours of their facilities as some wineries and breweries currently do,” said Tuck (D-Anchorage). “These distillers purchase local Alaska agricultural products, hire local Alaskans, and pay significant taxes to the state of Alaska—we should do everything we can to help them prosper and attract more tourism to Alaska. I appreciate my colleagues’ support for this pro-small business legislation.”
The changes will enable local distilleries to attract tourism and take part in the tourism industry, to contribute more to the economy, and to create jobs. The legislation (HB309) would allow distillers to sell up to one gallon of their product directly to the public for consumption off premises and to sell up to three ounces for consumption on premises. The bill also would allow visitors to sample small portions of the product free of charge while on premises.
The bill now goes to the governor for his consideration.
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