For years, Florida law prohibited craft beer brewers and sellers from offering their beverage in the standard-size container used throughout the country.
The restriction amounted to crony capitalism at its worst, helping the big beer industry while holding down the types of small businesses that drive the nations economy.
Pacific Legal Foundation teamed up last year with Stuart pub The Crafted Keg and sued the state of Florida for this irrational restriction on economic liberty. After we filed the suit and CBS News broadcast a national story about our case, the Legislature finally got its act together and passed a bill unanimously to fix one of the dumbest laws in the nation.
And on Thursday, Gov. Rick Scott signed the bill into law. Scott explained why he signed the law:
By making the sale of 64-ounce growlers legal in Florida, we are eliminating another burdensome regulation and allowing more Florida businesses to succeed. We are pleased to continue to create a world-class business environment where all businesses, including breweries, can succeed.
Kudos to Gov. Scott for signing the bill; since this week is American Craft Beer Week. His timing is impeccable.
Sometimes you can fight city hall and win. Pacific Legal Foundations track record on that score speaks for itself. Other legal organizations and craft beer sellers considered this lawsuit but passed because they were afraid to lose. The Crafted Keg and PLF, on the other hand, took on the state of Florida and made a difference. Ill drink to that.
Mark Miller is managing attorney of the Atlantic Center,Pacific Legal Foundation's Florida office located in Palm Beach Gardens.
