HB 1341 seeks to allow licensed Oklahoma breweries to offer samples to the public
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tulsa, OK. April 2, 2013 – Oklahoma House Bill HB 1341, introduced by Representative Glen Mulready (R-Tulsa & Creek County) and Assistant Majority Floor Leader Senator Rob Johnson (R – Oklahoma & Canadian County), seeks to amend Section 521 of Title 37 to permit licensed brewers of beer in Oklahoma to provide limited free samples to the visitors to the licensed brewery premises. The measure passed the House February 26th with a 60 to 32 vote. The bill now stands to be heard before the Senate Committee on Business and Commerce Thursday, April 4th at 9 AM. HB 1341 is pro-business and pro-tourism legislation and seeks to level the playing field among Oklahoma’s beer and wine producers in that Oklahoma wineries are permitted to offer samples on their licensed premises. “We have effectively been doing our job with one-hand beyond our backs. Few craft breweries have the traditional marketing methods available due to restrained resources,” explains Eric Marshall. “Visitors are typically more impassioned to support small local craft producers when they can experience the products and crafting first hand. The opportunity to explain the business and culture of craft beer and brewing to the public while offering small limited samples will help our industry grow, offer more jobs, pay more taxes, and create a culture of craft beer tourism similar to most other states like Colorado.” HB 1341 must receive the approval of the Senate’s Business and Commerce Committee before it can be heard on the Senate floor. “This is good legislation for business and tourism in Oklahoma, and we need people to voice their support,” Eric says. Marshall Brewing Co. encourages Oklahoma citizens to contact their Oklahoma Senator as well as the Senators who reside on the Business and Commerce Committee and ask for their support on HB 1341. The public can find the members of the Senate Business and Commerce Committee at http://www.oksenate.gov/Committees/standingcommittees.aspx. Find your Oklahoma Senator at http://www.oklegislature.gov/FindMyLegislature.
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