Members of the Virginia Distillers Association (VDA) visited the State Capitol during their first Annual Legislative Day on Jan. 30 to thank their senators and delegates for their support of Senate Bill 1448 and House Bill 2029, which are identical bills designed to allow Virginia distilleries to sell bottles at events conducted for the purpose of featuring and educating the consuming public about spirits. At Savor Virginia’s press time the bills had been ushered through the first-half of the General Assembly session with unanimous bipartisan support from the Senate and the House and had proceeded into crossover to the other chamber for subsequent review.
Virginia legislators are becoming more aware of the fact the commonwealth’s burgeoning craft spirits industry can expand its fiscal impact to the state, through increasing market access and tourism. “With several simple policy, regulatory, and statutory changes, the industry will become more sustainable, a greater economic driver for the commonwealth, and become more attractive for outside investments,” explained Gareth Moore, VDA president and CEO of Virginia Distillery Company of Lovingston. “We were received enthusiastically by our senators and delegates during our recent Legislative Day and look forward to partnering with them to strengthen our industry.”
Author: VisitVirginia