CT HB05713

Establishes a new farm distillery manufacturer permit allowing distilled spirits production (whiskey, gin, vodka, rum) on farms in Connecticut, effective October 1, 2017.

Authorizes farm distilleries to conduct bulk sales from manufacturing premises, sell up to 15 gallons per container to retailers (if producing 25,000 gallons or less annually), offer free tastings on-site, and sell sealed bottles and spirits by the glass for on-premises and off-premises consumption.

Requires farm distilleries to grow an average of at least 25 percent of fruit or crops used in production, with minimum three tons per acre during first seven years, and minimum five aggregate acres if multi-property operations.

Permits farm distilleries to sell and offer tastings at nonprofit farmers' markets if invited and qualifying for a farmers' market wine sales permit, and may sell spirits from other in-state farm distilleries or spirits made from in-state fruit/crops distilled in-state.

Sets annual permit fee at $300 and allows towns to prohibit farm distillery operations within their jurisdiction through ordinance or zoning regulation.