Home » Kentucky distillers hail Ky. House passage of DTC alcohol shipping update

Kentucky distillers hail Ky. House passage of DTC alcohol shipping update

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Distillers’ Association on Friday praised the Kentucky House of Representatives for its overwhelming passage of House Bill 415, an update to last year’s historic direct-to-consumer alcohol shipping measure that has become a model for the country.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Adam Koenig, R-Erlanger, passed 82-15.

There are now more than 15 states looking to introduce or expand their direct-to-consumer efforts, which will create new reciprocal markets to ship the commonwealth’s coveted Kentucky bourbon, craft beer, small farm wine and other spirits, said KDA President Eric Gregory.

“This key update to last year’s bold direct-to-consumer reforms will keep Kentucky at the forefront of spirits shipping to meet increasing consumer demand and strengthen our rightful title as the one, true and authentic home for bourbon,” Gregory said.

HB 415 will allow the use of third-party fulfillment centers to efficiently ship bottles; set a level playing field for state tax collection on distillery gift shop sales; and establish guidelines for shipping alcohol samples to media, business and marketing partners, among other measures.

The KDA applauded Rep. Koenig, Chairman of the House Licensing, Occupations and Administrative Regulations Committee, for his steadfast leadership in working for months with all interested parties to address issues of concern.

HB 415 now goes to the Kentucky Senate for consideration.