A new law went into effect last week eliminating restrictions on the number of manufacturing licenses that can be issued for micro-distilleries in Ohio. House Bill 243, signed into law by Governor John R. Kasich, allows more businesses to operate, expand and create jobs in Ohio.
“The opportunity for Ohio artisans to create or expand a small business with unique products is exciting and we’re proud to be a part of it,” said David Goodman, Director of the Ohio Department of Commerce. “The law had set a quota for only three of these licenses in the entire state; it just didn’t make sense to limit the opportunity.”
Micro-distilleries are manufacturers of spirituous liquor that produce less than 10,000 gallons of per year. The new law allows tasting samples of their products at the facility and allows limited carry out sales. These Ohio businesses are in position to capitalize on the increasingly popular micro-distillery market where consumers are not necessarily drinking more, but seeking craft or artisan products.
“These are small companies producing unique products with local or niche audiences in mind,” Goodman said.
Ohio is ideally situated for the micro-distillery industry to thrive with its abundance of agricultural products. Agri-business has been able to generate tourism and tax dollars and now it could be a big contributor to the micro-distillery trend, as well. In addition to the creation of jobs, micro-distilleries will also create new demand for Ohio agricultural products as many prefer to locally source the ingredients that go into their products.
Craft beer manufacturers also benefit from the new law. It gives them the ability to sell the products they make for carryout and by the glass at the brewery. This will provide these small Ohio manufacturers the opportunity to be more competitive in the fast-growing craft beer market and expand their businesses.
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