Is the Craft Distillery Boom in Ohio Imminent?
Two months ago, OBC reported Ohio HB 351 received a unanimous vote from the Government Accountability and Oversight Committee to pass the bill as amended. The Ohio House listened - passing the bill on April 20 with a 94-2 vote.
While work remains in the Ohio Senate for this bill to become law, it is a welcome sign to Ohio's craft distilleries that they will finally be given more ability to share and grow their craft. As evidenced by the growth of craft breweries in Ohio, there's no doubt a similar boom awaits craft distillers.
As passed, HB 351 seeks to
- Increase the capacity of spirits a craft distillery (A-3a permit) is permitted to produce annually from 10,000 to 100,000 gallons, and
- Give craft distilleries the ability to obtain an A-1-A permit and operate a full bar and serve food in the distillery.
Good things are happening in Ohio. Contact OBC with questions.