Your favorite local distillery may soon be opening up a cocktail bar.
Last night the Ohio Senate passed House Bill 351, which would allow distilleries to apply for an A-1-A permit, or “brewpub license,” giving them the opportunity to operate an on-premises taproom. Ohio breweries and wineries have been able hold the A-1-A permit and serve their own products on-site for several years.
“Up until now we’ve only been able to share our spirits as quarter ounce samples, at room temperature, crowded around a table in our tasting room,” said Watershed co-founder Dave Rigo in a statement. “Now, if we choose to do so, we can create an entirely different experience for guests that really immerses them in our culture and creates a place to come together.”
Watershed is investigating adding a bar concept at their Chesapeake Avenue location.
The same legislation also raises the maximum production limit for an A-3a permit from 10,000 gallons to 100,000 gallons per year. The A-3a permit, as opposed to the regular A-3, allows small distilleries to sell bottles of spirits to consumers on-premises.
The bill will now head to Governor Kasich’s desk for him to sign.
