Get Ready for Craft Liquor Pubs “on-premise establishment to manufacture, distill and store craft liquors—like gin and vodka”

Photo by PoPville flickr user Rukasu1

From a press release:

“Three new alcoholic beverage laws are in effect that could impact the businesses of on-premise establishments and alcohol manufacturers in the District.

An ABC licensed restaurant, tavern, nightclub, hotel or multipurpose facility that has a class C license can now apply with the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA) for a Distillery Pub Permit. The permit allows an on-premise establishment to manufacture, distill and store craft liquors—like gin and vodka—on licensed premises or in an area immediately adjacent to the premises.

The Distillery Pub Licensure Act of 2013 (B20-29) also permits licensees to sell the liquor they produce to patrons for either on or off-premise consumption. Sales for off-premise consumption must be in sealed containers and can occur from 7 a.m.-midnight, seven days a week. Spirits may also be sold to wholesalers for resale to other ABC licensees in the District.

An ABC licensed establishment can apply for a distillery pub permit by visiting ABRA’s office located at 2000 14th St., NW. The annual fee for the permit is $7,500.

Another new law allows manufacturers to sell and deliver alcoholic beverages from 7 a.m.-midnight, seven days a week. Prior to the Manufacturers’ Sunday Sale Act of 2013 (B20-197) taking effect, manufacturers were prohibited from selling and delivering to wholesalers, retailers and consumers on Sundays.

Manufacturers will also gain four additional days to conduct product tastings. The Manufacturer Tasting Permit Act of 2013 (B20-234) allows an alcoholic beverage manufacturer that has a tasting permit to conduct product tastings from 1-9 p.m., seven days a week. Manufacturers were previously permitted to conduct tastings Thursday through Saturday.”