Texas Distilled Spirits Association - Legislative Accomplishments

LEGISLATIVE ACCOMPLISHMENTS

DISTILLED SPIRITS SAMPLING BILL SIGNED INTO LAW

HB 1997, the distilled spirits sampling bill, passed both the House and the Senate and was signed by the Governor yesterday.

Starting September 1^st, a distiller or its agent will be able to provide a sample or a product tasting of a distilled spirit to a holder of a retail permit who has not previously purchased the brand. The distiller will not be able to provide a retail establishment with more than one 750ml bottle of the distilled spirit.

TDSA is very grateful to Todd Gregory with BlackEyed Distilling and TDSA President Mike Cameron for testifying at the hearings on the bill. TDSA is also grateful for the support of the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of Texas, Distilled Spirits Council, and the Texas Package Store Association.

This bill would not have been possible if not for the hard work of Representative Charlie Geren (R-Fort Worth), Senator Kelly Hancock (R-North Richland Hills) and Senator Charles Schwertner (R-Georgetown). Please thank these legislative members for their support in helping our industry grow.

**********************************************************************************************************************************************

TDSA’S FIRST LEGISLATIVE SESSION

By creating one voice for distillers, TDSA’s first legislative session as an official trade association was a success. TDSA worked relentlessly with the Texas Legislature and stakeholders to pass four significant bills that put distillers on a more even playing field with similar industries. Due to our success, Governor Rick Perry declared September 2013 as the inaugural “Texas Distilled Spirits Month” as the new laws went into effect.

Through our efforts, effective September 2013:

Distillers can sell a limited number of bottles on site to consumers, as well as conduct tastings and samplings of their products at their distilleries.
Distillers can purchase products in bulk from Texas wineries, breweries or other distilleries for manufacturing purposes.
Distillers can sell their products in bulk directly to food processors.
Distillers can appoint someone to represent the distillery with tastings as well as when working with their distributor.

CONTACT US

300 Colorado Street, Suite 2300
Austin, TX 78701

Amber Hausenfluck, Government Affairs: (512) 617-4523

info@texasdistilledspirits.org
www.texasdistilledspirits.org