Florida Growler Bill Effectively Killed by Lobbyists
It is being reported by the Associated Press that the lobbyists for the Florida Beer Wholesalers Association, a group representing the Anheuser-Busch distributors in the state, among others, have convinced the key lawmakers not to proceed with the legislation that would allow the standard 64-ounce growlers in breweries in the state.
You can get the pertinent information from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune story by Alan Shaw here.
I have discussed this issue before, so I won’t repeat my arguments against this ridiculous ban. But here is what you, my friends, followers, and readers can do.
Write to Representative Debbie Mayfield (R-Vero Beach) and express your displeasure with her decision. You can send emails, but actual letters are far more effective. Phone calls are important, too. Then, if you live in Florida, contact your own representatives. Let THEM know what is going on and your stance on it. If you don’t live in Florida, your voice is important too. Our state depends heavily on tourism dollars, and this issue directly affects those monies. The lobbyists in Tallahassee wield a ridiculous amount of power, and the only way to he heard over the sound of their money is a thunderous noise from people.
When contacting legislators, here are some tips:
- State your position specifically and use facts, not rumors or hearsay. Educate yourself as best you can.
- Be respectful. Avoid foul language or namecalling. Nothing gets your letter tossed quicker.
- Do not accuse. The issue is what is important, not the Representative.
- Stick to the issue at hand. Do not muddy the waters by bringing up unrelated issues.
- In this particular case, this is a non-partisan issue. The bill was brought by a Democrat/Republican partnership, so leave the partisanship out of this one. All it does is whip party loyalists into a frenzy unnecessarily.
Debbie Mayfield can be reached in the following ways:
Mail:
Representative Debbie Mayfield
Capitol Office
303 House Office Building
402 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1300
Phone: (850) 717-5054
or at her Vero office:
Representative Debbie Mayfield
District Office
1053 20th Place
Vero Beach, FL 32960-5359
Phone: (772) 778-5077
You can contact her through the official House website here.
Her email is Debbie.Mayfield@myfloridahouse.gov
Cheers.
P.S. I wanted to also point out that it is not ALL distributors in Florida that are behind this. There are other beer distributors in the state, led by the Beer Industry of Florida, that are supporting the growler law.
Beer for the Daddy 
Dang shame.
Sad news, but great post. I’m afraid too many people will flood the Rep. Mayfield’s inbox with poorly worded and threatening emails, which doesn’t help the cause at all.
Just another reason to keep from drinking AB products.
Hi im from Chapel hill, NC . I sold a Growler to a gentleman in my store who’s son writes a blog on here.Dont know if it was you but Mystery brewering is a local brewery in Hillsbourogh,NC. If it was you I hope you enjoy.
It could very well be my dad… my parents are travelling through that area on their way here! I am excited if it is him! I will let you know for sure!
[…] the bad news. The growler bill in Florida died a quiet death at the hands of lobbyists and their lackeys in the state legislature. It is simply shameful the way […]