FL: Controversial beer bill pits Florida theme parks against brewers and distributors

Tampa Bay Business Journal By Janelle Irwin – Reporter January 11, 2018

A controversial bill allowing beer ads in Florida theme parks passed its first Senate committee Wednesday despite pushback from some in the beer industry. The Senate narrowly rejected a similar measure last year after weeks of back and forth negotiations between the players, but it is back on the table this year.

Opponents of the bill, including the Beer Industry of Florida that represents craft beer distributors and MillerCoors, argue it gives theme parks extortion power over beer brands by demanding advertising dollars. That could give outsized buying power to larger brands. Universal Orlando rejects that claim, saying the bill’s reach is narrow, only affects Tampa and Orlando where large theme parks are located, and doesn’t undermine the craft beer industry. “They can’t buy Super Bowl commercials,” said Universal Orlando lobbyist Mac Stipanovich. “But that’s just the way of things.” Tampa-based Pepin Distributing opposes the bill, but said it could be neutral with some changes. Sen. Greg Steube (R-Sarasota) filed an amendment to the bill that would have appeased distributors like Pepin, but it was withdrawn for lack of support. Steube’s amendment would have blocked beer brands and manufacturers from providing merchandise or other perks other than advertising to theme parks.

The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Travis Hutson (R-Elkton), acknowledged the beer industry is still not on board with the bill as it’s currently written, but that the players need to be on the same page before he can reconcile the bill to appease concerns. Hutson said he’s willing to find middle ground, but wants to wait until there is consensus so there can be one amendment rather than a series of changes. Meanwhile, another beer-related bill moved through the same committee Wednesday. Sen. Dana Young’s (R-Tampa) alcohol delivery bill would allow alcohol retailers to use third party drivers to deliver alcoholic products. The popular ridesharing company Uber supports the measure. Both bills head next to the Senate’s Commerce and Tourism Committee and both have companion bills in the House.