Liquor Stores, Beer Distributors Challenge Brewery Licenses
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TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/AP) — With the craft beer industry booming, Florida liquor stores and beer distributors are teaming up in hopes that they can get the state to stop craft breweries from selling their product in tasting rooms.
The Florida Retail Federation is suing the Department of Business and Professional Regulation and is being joined by the associations that represent Anheuser-Busch and MillerCoors distributors. Separately the Florida Independent Spirits Association filed a challenge with the agency. The association includes ABC Fine Wine & Spirits chain.
The groups say they are only trying to clarify rules regarding licenses to sell beer at breweries, but brewers see the action as an attack on the industry and an attempt to stifle its growth.
The retailers and distributors are asking the state to stop issuing new licenses to breweries allowing on-site sales.
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