Governor John R. Kasich signed House Bill 243 into law this week eliminating a cap on the number of manufacturing licenses that can be issued for micro-distilleries, allowing more businesses to operate and manufacture spirituous liquor in Ohio. This legislation was supported by Lt. Governor Mary Taylor through the Common Sense Initiative and the Department of Commerce.
If you're wondering what spirituous liquor is, it is defined as intoxicating liquor containing more than 21 percent alcohol by volume.
Officials say this change will put Ohio ahead of the curve in what is an increasingly popular micro-distillery market where consumers are not necessarily dinking more, but are seeking unique craft or artisan products. The Midwest and Ohio in particular with its abundance of grain and fruit, is ideally situated to capitalize on this trend, said supporters.
Agri-business has been able to generate tourism and tax dollars and now it could be a big contributor to the micro-distillery trend, as well. In addition to the creation of jobs, micro-distilleries could also create new demand for Ohio agricultural products as many prefer to locally source the ingredients that go into their products.
There are currently two licensed micro-distilleries in the state, and four pending applications for new micro-distilleries that can now be processed. The elimination of the cap will allow new businesses to begin operations and existing ones to expand creating jobs for Ohioans.
The A-3a liquor permit allows a spirituous liquor manufacturer that produces less than 10,000 gallons per year to sell their products directly to consumers at their facility for carry out. These micro-distilleries can now also sell tasting samples of their products.
The law that created the micro-distillery permit in 2008 made it quota-based, meaning only three A-3a licenses could be issued in Ohio – one license each in Cuyahoga, Franklin and Hamilton Counties.
