LANSING – State Representative Barb Byrum (D-Onondaga) today announced that her plan to allow small distilleries to market and sell their products on-site – a move that will generate millions of dollars in economic activity and create jobs now for Michigan workers – has passed the House
"We must do all in our power to help grow Michigan's emerging industries," Byrum said. "Agri-tourism could potentially mean thousands of good-paying jobs for Michigan residents. My plan gets rid of the red tape that's hampering the growth of Michigan's small distilleries, allowing them to reach their full potential and give our struggling economy a shot in the arm."
Byrum's bill, which passed the House 105-0, will create a new class of license allowing distilleries that manufacture less than 60,000 gallons a year to sell their products on-site and give away samples. The cost of the license will be only $100 annually, compared to the $1,000 yearly cost of current licenses.
The licenses would be modeled after the ones currently available for microbreweries. There are currently over 70 small brewers in Michigan, and microbreweries are a $25 million industry in the state.
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation estimates that Byrum's bill would spur $414.7 million in economic activity and create 1,400 new jobs.
"This plan will generate income every step of the way – using Michigan crops and Michigan labor to create a truly Michigan product," Byrum said. "I applaud my House colleagues for joining me in this initiative to stimulate our economy and create jobs for Michigan workers."