Kentucky Distillers Hail House Passage of DTC Alcohol Shipping Update

For Immediate Release – February 26, 2021

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Distillers’ Association today praised the Kentucky House of  Representatives for its overwhelming passage of House Bill 415, an important update to last year’s  historic direct-to-consumer alcohol shipping measure that has become a model for the country. 

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Adam Koenig, R-Erlanger, passed 82-15. 

KDA President Eric Gregory said there are now more than 15 states looking to introduce or expand  their direct-to-consumer efforts which will create many new reciprocal markets to ship the  Commonwealth’s coveted Kentucky Bourbon, craft beer, small farm wine and other spirits. 

“This key update to last year’s bold direct-to-consumer reforms will keep Kentucky at the forefront of  spirits shipping to meet increasing consumer demand and strengthen our rightful title as the one, true  and authentic home for Bourbon,” Gregory said.  

HB 415 will allow the use of third-party fulfillment centers to efficiently ship bottles; set a level  playing field for state tax collection on distillery gift shop sales; and establish guidelines for shipping  alcohol samples to media, business and marketing partners, among other measures.  

The KDA applauded Rep. Koenig, Chairman of the House Licensing, Occupations and Administrative  Regulations Committee, for his steadfast leadership in working for months with all interested parties  to address issues of concern.  

“Chairman Koenig continues to demonstrate collaborative and effective leadership in modernizing  Kentucky’s archaic alcohol laws, which in turn is creating more distilling jobs and investment for the  benefit of the entire state,” Gregory said.  

“We are profoundly thankful and toast his 100-proof support.” 

HB 415 now goes to the Kentucky Senate for consideration.  

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For more information, contact KDA President Gregory at [email protected].