In a Tampa Bay Business Journal article published on May 25, 2018, Katherine O’Donniley provided insight on the regulatory startup obstacles Tampa Bay craft breweries could face before opening their doors. The craft beer industry in Tampa Bay and across Florida has seen growth in recent years, and even though there are obstacles in startup costs and regulatory red tape, the state of Florida and other local governments are encouraging craft breweries to continue their success.
Three years ago, for example, Florida changed a prohibition-era law by allowing breweries to sell a 64-oz. growler. “We also saw in 2017 an attempt to allow direct distribution of kegs by smaller breweries, but that has not come to fruition,” noted O’Donniley.
Though startup costs do cause difficulties for some brewers, especially with the myriad of required federal and state liquor license approvals. “You can’t just make a decision to start this business and open your doors a few weeks later,” explained O’Donniley.
For the full article, please click here.
