Florida — Local distillers are asking the governor to let them make home deliveries of their products.
“It’s been a very tough time and it’s the same thing with many other distilleries around the state,” says Phil McDaniel, co-founder of St. Augustine Distillery.
Due to the pandemic, the distillery hasn’t been able to hold any tours in eight weeks. Spirit shipments to local bars and restaurants have also come to a halt leaving their sales down 90%.
“If this thing does not turn around fairly quickly, I think you’re going to see a lot of these guys go under which is terrible.”
That’s why St. Augustine Distillery, along with 24 others in Florida, is asking the governor to allow them to make home deliveries of their spirits.
Right now, distilleries are deemed essential under Gov. DeSantis’ executive order.
Despite essential businesses being encouraged, "To provide delivery… outside of the business of orders placed online or via telephone to the greatest extent practicable,” [Governor DeSantis’ Executive Order 20-91, Section 2E] distilleries haven’t been able to.
That’s because of a current Florida law that “requires distillers to sell to consumers only in face-to-face transactions at their gift shops. Distillers may not take orders online or arrange to deliver or ship spirits to consumers at home." (565.03, ch. 2.c.1)
“I’ve got cases of this product sitting in this warehouse today that’s collecting dust.”
McDaniel says by allowing them to deliver their spirits to costumers, it will give distilleries a chance to keep their doors open.
“If not, it’s going to be awful because it’s such a cool industry that we’re in. I think people really like what we’re doing,” says McDaniel.
He says the state will also get some money through the excise tax they have to file.
According to McDaniel, last year alone the distillery industry generated about $3 million.
They already have over 9,000 letters written to state legislators and over 3,000 to the governor.
If you want to help with their campaign, head to fldistillersguild.com.