Florida brewers push for growler sales

Florida craft brewers are “cautiously optimistic” that a new bill will allow the sale of “growlers” in the southern state.

The half-gallon jugs are common in most US states and are a regularly used by craft brewers though not in Florida which prohibits the 64-ounce format, largely because it cuts out the distributor, consumers being able to take their growlers back to a brewery and re-filling it there.

As reported by the Miami Herald, brewers and beer distributors put their case to various legislative committees earlier this week and “early indications” are good.

Mitch Rubin, executive director of the Florida Beer Wholesalers Association, said he would not oppose the lifting of the ban as long as rules concerning volume, labelling and bottle seals were enforced.

The bill is being championed by Tampa Bay legislators senator Jack Latvala and representative Chris Sprowls. Although the signs are more positive this time around, a similar bill was rejected in the final weeks of session last year.

Although more popular in the US, the growler trend is building in the UK now as well, a shop in south London having begun selling growlers and offering re-fills last summer.