Post by Logan on Feb 17, 2016 3:20:10 GMT -6
Growlers from brewpubs. Self-serve alcohol. Cocktail lounges at Iowa distilleries.
A host of bills moving through the Iowa House would address those issues, which brewers and distillers say could help expand their businesses.
"I think it’s good for the economy of Iowa," said Rep. Guy Vander Linden, R-Oskaloosa, who sponsored a number of alcohol-related bills, including one that reduces restrictions on liquor distillers. "You know we’ve got kind of a burgeoning industry and we need to help it."
But some lawmakers have been reluctant to move forward with any broad changes, and the Iowa Wholesale Beer Distributors Association has opposed many of the bills. Friday marks a legislative deadline known as funnel week, which requires most bills to be approved by a committee in order to be eligible for continued debate.
"Beer distributors work to ensure a safe and enjoyable product to all consumers in a legal and socially responsible way," Nathan Cooper, executive director of the wholesale association, said in a statement. "Every session new proposals come forward that propose changes to the system and possibly threaten consumer safety."
Read more: www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/politics/2016/02/16/iowa-legislature-serves-up-flight-alcohol-bills/80461384/
A host of bills moving through the Iowa House would address those issues, which brewers and distillers say could help expand their businesses.
"I think it’s good for the economy of Iowa," said Rep. Guy Vander Linden, R-Oskaloosa, who sponsored a number of alcohol-related bills, including one that reduces restrictions on liquor distillers. "You know we’ve got kind of a burgeoning industry and we need to help it."
But some lawmakers have been reluctant to move forward with any broad changes, and the Iowa Wholesale Beer Distributors Association has opposed many of the bills. Friday marks a legislative deadline known as funnel week, which requires most bills to be approved by a committee in order to be eligible for continued debate.
"Beer distributors work to ensure a safe and enjoyable product to all consumers in a legal and socially responsible way," Nathan Cooper, executive director of the wholesale association, said in a statement. "Every session new proposals come forward that propose changes to the system and possibly threaten consumer safety."
Read more: www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/politics/2016/02/16/iowa-legislature-serves-up-flight-alcohol-bills/80461384/