Florida has formally repealed its ban on the sale of 15-liter bottles of wine and champagne within the state, a move that is sure to please wine and champagne lovers.
Following decades of prohibition, this move is being embraced by wine retailers, restaurateurs, and aficionados everywhere.
Wine lovers and industry insiders are giddy over Florida’s recent legislation permitting the sale of 15-liter bottles of wine and champagne.
A long-standing rule that forbade the sale of wine in containers greater than one gallon (about 3.8 liters) since 1939 is repealed by this move, which takes effect on July 1, 2024.
Historical Background: Why Were Big Bottles Prohibited?
During the Prohibition era, when many states implemented stringent alcohol laws to reduce consumption and encourage temperance, Florida first outlawed big wine bottles.
By restricting the size of alcohol containers that may be purchased, these rules aimed to deter excessive consumption. Many in the industry viewed the regulation as an antiquated relic that had remained mostly unaltered for decades.
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The Drive for Transformation
Both major political parties backed the latest legislative move, which was led by Governor Ron DeSantis. The action was presented as a win for consumer choice and economic freedom.
In recent years, wineries, wholesalers, and event coordinators have been vocal in their support of the repeal movement.
Wine merchants and eateries said that Florida was losing business to California and Georgia, two nearby states that permitted larger sizes. Event coordinators saw that their capacity to serve customers staging lavish events was hampered by their inability to provide larger bottles.
