Brianne Pfannenstiel and William Petroski reported in today’s Des Moines Register that, “A bill allowing Iowa’s craft liquor distillers to mix cocktails at their manufacturing facilities gained final legislative approval Monday, with both Democrats and Republicans praising the bill as a good step for economic development.
“The issue has been under discussion in the Legislature for years as distillers tried and failed to advance legislation they say puts them on a level playing field with Iowa’s craft breweries and wineries, which already are able to open lounges and tasting rooms where patrons can buy a glass of beer or wine made on-site.
“‘We are so pleased that the Legislature was able to reach across the aisle and put together a solution that everyone could come together on,’ Garrett Burchett, owner and distiller at Mississippi River Distilling Co., a family-owned small batch distillery in Le Claire, Iowa, said in a statement.”
The Register article noted that, “[Sen. Roby Smith, R-Davenport] predicted more people will visit Le Claire, stopping at local tourist attractions, staying at local hotels and eating at restaurants, as well as spending money in the Quad Cities.
“‘This bill is great for Iowa’s economic development and small businesses,’ Smith said.”
