HB 415 – Shipping Bill Update

A letter from KDA President Eric Gregory on House Bill 415 – Shipping Update

Good afternoon, Bourbon lovers: As a former reporter, I’ve written my fair share of “new laws take effect this week” stories. That’s why I wanted to clarify a significant point about Kentucky’s new alcohol shipping law that takes effect July 15.

We are all anxious to begin shipments of America’s only native spirit. However, even though HB 415 actually takes effect on July 15, it will most likely be months before anything is shipped out or into Kentucky.

The reason is that state agencies like the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control and the Department of Revenue are still in the process of promulgating regulations  to create the necessary licenses and forms to implement this model law.

Like any great Kentucky Bourbon, that process takes time. So we’re waiting patiently and providing comments on the proposed regulations to help ensure that the process is efficient, easy for consumers and producers, responsible and that all applicable taxes are properly paid.

I’ve attached a great summary on HB 415 that answers many questions and clears up some misleading information being perpetrated by opponents of the bill. You can also access it at https://kybourbon.com/policy/bill_tracking/.

We hope to begin shipping to reciprocal states by early October.

In the meantime, please enjoy any of our fine Kentucky #Bourbon and distilled spirits brands responsibly and in moderation. And please, do not drink the hand sanitizer.

Stay safe and cheers –

Eric

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