Whiskey, Beer, and Wine: Legislative Industry Needs

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

• How to assess the regulatory needs of the spirits industry and local and state regulations for efficacy
• How to analyze the challenges imposed on a community by the spirits industry
• How to assess the value (and pros/cons) of the spirits industry for your own community

MORE SESSION DETAILS

Frederick, Maryland, has recently been named one of the most livable small cities in America and one of the top 17 craft beer cities in the world; it is also the home of internationally known Flying Dog Beer, and a dozen other small craft breweries, distilleries, and wineries. But only a short few years ago, this burgeoning industry sector did not exist. Frederick is a microcosm of the industry as the brewing, distilling, and winery industries have grown countrywide. Hear the good, the bad, and the ugly from a distinguished panel about how local and state legislation has impacted the growth of the industry and what challenges exist adapting to the expanding needs of the spirits industry. Local land management code changes to allow both large operations and small craft operators along with food trucks have had immediate industry results. Flying Dog Beer has purchased land in the city to build its new state-of-the-art brewery. At the same time, several craft distilleries fired up the stills. The industries have gained national and international attention, but there are challenges. Learn how Maryland is addressing its Prohibition-era alcohol regulations, which limit operations.