The Vermont House is tackling two bills this week intended to make it easier for some local businesspeople to connect with their customers.
Tuesday, the House gave preliminary approval to a bill (H.94) that would allow local stores that sell beer and wine to carry high-test beers -- those with up to 16 percent alcohol by volume. This would let some micro-brews reach out more broadly. Currently they may be sold in state liquor outlets but not where you pickup your "Bud."
Wednesday, the House will consider a bill (S.120) that would allow wine-tasting at farmer's markets. A wine-maker could get a special license to offer "local grape juice" to folks buying the fixings for a salad.
There were critics of the beer bill, Tuesday, although their voices were pretty weak when it came time to vote. They worried the bill would encourage youthful drinkers who could now get drunk quicker because of the increased alcohol by volume.
Supporters said this kind of high-test beer is an acquired taste> It's beer that one sips! And it's pricey.
Rep. John Rodgers, D-Glover, argued that anyone looking for a drunk would be smarter to invest in a bottle of 100 proof vodka for $10.
"I don't believe kids will drink it," Rodgers told House members. "I don't believe they will spend the extra cost." Rodgers, lead sponsor of the bill, put the bill in perspective -- the kind that usually delivers votes. "Support economic development and agricultural diversity and our successful microbreweries."
Sounds like a toast. If he had just started with "Here's to ...."
--Nancy
Remsen
