Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaDecember 29, 2017

State regulators this week rejected a request to install high-tech beer and wine vending machines in South Florida, a proposal opposed by lawmakers and industry groups. A Miami-Dade company had sought an OK from the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (ABT) to offer what it calls “self-checkout micro marts” with wine and beer. The day after Christmas, however, ABT director […]

Jim RosicaNovember 27, 2017

Legislation that critics said would allow theme parks to “extort” advertising dollars from beer companies has been re-filed for the 2018 Legislative Session. The bills (HB 775, SB 822), filed by Republicans Rep. Mike La Rosa of St. Cloud and Sen. Travis Hutson of Elkton, generally would allow “cooperative” advertising in theme parks. Hutson, chair of […]

Jim RosicaOctober 30, 2017

Beer distributors and independent liquor stores are lining up to oppose a proposal for high-tech beer and wine vending machines in South Florida. The Beer Industry of Florida, the Florida Beer Wholesalers Association, and the Florida Independent Spirits Association filed separate motions to intervene in the case last Thursday. A newly-formed Miami-Dade company is seeking an OK from the state’s Division of […]

Blake DowlingJuly 1, 2017

Who remembers when beer commercials were awesome? What happened to Spuds McKenzie? This awesome Lone Star Beer ad really shines: Or the team of studs at Elsinore Brewery: And — last but not least – this Schlitz Malt Liquor ads that ruled the early 80s (which might have been the pinnacle). No one does it […]

Associated PressMay 8, 2017

Owners of small, independent liquor stores in central Florida are asking customers to support their efforts urging the governor to veto a bill allowing the sale of spirits in grocery stores. A proposal nicknamed the “Whiskey and Wheaties Bill” (SB 106) would allow grocery stores, big box retailers and other stores to sell liquor alongside […]

Jim RosicaApril 28, 2017

The House on Friday sent back a Senate beer advertising bill, having tacked on language that would also allow beer makers to give free glasses to bars and restaurants. The measure (SB 388) allow advertising and sponsoring of events by beer companies in the state’s theme parks. It passed the House on a 110-9 vote. But the House […]

Guest AuthorMarch 20, 2017

At the three local Tallahassee establishments I own, Madison Social, Township and Centrale, we serve more than 30 types of beer from breweries all across the country. And, I sincerely enjoy and have an appreciation for each of their unique qualities and love to share them with our patrons. But in my establishments, like most […]

Jim RosicaMarch 16, 2017

A bill that—as one beer-company insider put it—could allow theme parks to “extort” advertising dollars out of them cleared a Senate panel this week. The legislation (SB 388), which allows beer companies to advertise in theme parks, was OK’d unanimously by the Senate Regulated Industries Committee with scant attention. It chips away at the state’s “tied house evil” law […]

Associated PressAugust 16, 2016

With the state’s iconic citrus industry reeling due to a so-far incurable bacterial disease, some Florida farmers are eyeing a new niche crop that can tap into the country’s burgeoning beer-brewing business: hops. Hops are vining plants that produce pungent flowers or buds that for hundreds of years have been used by brewers as the […]

Jim RosicaMarch 4, 2016

Future riders of All Aboard Florida would be allowed a tipple as they wait for a train under legislation moving in the Legislature. The already-approved Senate bill (SB 698) was passed by the House Friday on a 115-1 vote, with only Keystone Heights Republican Charles Van Zant opposed. The House added some changes, though, sending it back to […]

Tag: beer

State just says ‘no’ to booze from vending machines

Drinking, advertising—and ‘extortion’? Beer bill back for 2018

Booze from vending machines? No way, beer and liquor groups say

Blake Dowling: With ads, 2017 is an all-new animal

Independent liquor stores fight ‘Whiskey and Wheaties Bill’

Beer bill bounces back to Senate with free glass provision

Matt Thompson: SB 1040 & HB 853 — Serving up beer the right way in Florida

Senate panel OKs beer bill — that beer companies hate

Some Florida farmers eyeing hops as next niche crop

Bill would allow booze in All Aboard Florida stations, trains