Marr gins up bill to raise distillers’ spirits

OLYMPIA — Homebrew beer and do-it-yourself wines may soon have some companion beverages in Washington.

Yesterday the senate committee on Labor, Commerce, Research & Development heard testimony supporting a bill by Sen. Chris Marr, D-Spokane, that will allow craft distilleries in Washington.

“Washington already allows people to make their own beer and wine, so I think allowing them to produce, consume and even sell modest quantities of distilled spirits should also be allowed,” said Marr.

Senate Bill 6292 defines "Craft distillery" as an establishment that produces up to twenty thousand gallons of spirits per year using a pot still, and in which more than fifty percent of the raw materials used in the production are grown in Washington.

Craft distillery operators would have to obtain a license and pay a fee of $100 per year to operate, and would be allowed to sell their spirits under applicable laws.

“We’ve seen what a boon winemaking has been for agriculture in our state,” said Marr. “I think it's time we recognized that distilling has a long history as an agricultural practice, and can make a positive impact on our state economy.”

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