The Funky Buddha, Brown, and Stupid Laws

Not surprising. Just another casualty of Florida's archaic 3-tier system.

 

The 3-tier system limits so many things. But there are so many outdated laws in the US.

 

Actually I don't think Brown has anything to do with this. I was told it was simply because of the demand for Hop Gun on the market and the need for it in the brewery taproom. That's why the lounge has to keep making their own Hop Gun. And going to the taproom you definitely see the demand for it there.

 

I am pretty sure this would be the same in any state without self distribution. They are considered different businesses with different brewing licenses. It does not matter if they are owned by the same people. It is no different than them selling beer brewed at Cigar City from a legal perspective.

 

Not sure about this, I know of a "brew pub" in that carries kegs down the street to it sister restaurant. They never make it to the distributor. There are no BRAND police, that would keep FB brewery from dropping off kegs at the Lounge. The only people that might object would be Brown, But I dont see them doing that as they will be making big bucks off FB for years to come. It could also be that Ryan and the crew just said ya know what we need Hop Gun here an the brewery more than we need it at the lounge.

 

The reason we are still brewing Hop Gun and Floridian at both sites is more internal than anything else. Once we get things straightened we will brew all the regulars at Oakland Park. This will be really cool for the Boca location as we will be able to turn Morgan loose and brew lots of new beers.

As for the 3 tier system, I know it isn't a popular craft beer thing to say but I don't think it is that bad. I guess it would be nice to have the option to self distribute, but ultimately I'd rather let them do what they do best. I can't imagine the logistic nightmare it would be to have to get drivers, additional cold storage, cold delivery trucks, more sales people, etc.

 

This is true, this exact situation is going on with two restaurants here.

The Dogfish bars have to get their beer from distro as well, (even in the OG one in Rehoboth) same thing.

 

Now, if you could only go ahead and brew Sweet Potato Casserole, AND ship it directly to me, you know, because you need a taste tester in South Carolina, we'd be set!


But the whole 3 tier system is an unfortunate result of archaic laws I guess. We deal with it in S.C, as I'm guessing most states do. I mean, I don't think it should go away, totally, but it would be great if the consumer COULD buy directly from breweries if they wanted, or buy from retailers after distributors after brewers.

 

You can buy directly from brewers in South Carolina. Granted it is a limited amount and you have to do the tour thing, but that is way better off than we have it here.

I assume part of the selling direct in Florida is how the CCB brewpub thing must be allowed. Still seems odd to me that they can share beer from the production brewery with the brewpub based on how the laws work everywhere else.

 

Yeah I think we're allowed to buy...288 ounces I think, to take home, and up to 48 ounces to drink on premise. The bill was just passed this year, but it was much better before the legal system got a hold of it.