Both houses of the Idaho Legislature have now approved a measure that relaxes restrictions placed on the manufacturers of distilled spirits, and allows them to serve samples of their products at distilleries. Senate Bill 1335 was approved by the House of Representatives by a vote of 58 to 9.
“This bill is reasonable and has several appropriate safeguards,” Rep. Gayle Batt, R-Wilder, told her fellow House members as she presented the bill. “First, distilleries cannot charge money for the samples they offer. Also, only three sample tastings can be offered to one individual within a 24-hour time period.”
Batt also noted that the bill would require distilleries to abide by existing age requirements for the sale and consumption of alcohol.
The bill passed in the Senate in mid-February by a vote of 29 to 5. It now goes to Gov. Butch Otter for his consideration.
