Lawmakers Hold Micro-Distillery Bill Amid Environmental and Enforcement Concerns

Legislation that would allow micro-distilleries and micro-breweries to operate on land zoned for agricultural and residential use was placed on hold Thursday after lawmakers raised concerns about environmental safeguards, enforcement capacity, and whether the proposal was sufficiently developed for approval.

The Committee on Disaster Recovery, Infrastructure and Planning voted to hold Bill 36-0211, effectively pausing the measure and opening the door to amendments or a complete rewrite.

Introduced by Senator Milton Potter at the request of Governor Albert Bryan Jr., the bill seeks to permit small-scale distilleries and breweries in certain zones, subject to public notice and approval by the Department of Planning and Natural Resources. According to Sen. Potter, the legislation is intended to support agricultural entrepreneurs who want to “take their sugar cane, their local crops, their creative vision and produce something of value.”

“What stands in their way is not ambition, it is zoning… This bill is about potential economic diversification, tourism appeal and cultural preservation,” Sen. Potter said, later clarifying that his office did not author the bill.

The proposal drew significant public opposition ahead of Thursday’s hearing. A petition circulated by People Protecting Places urging lawmakers to reject the bill had collected 941 signatures before the meeting convened.