Richard FloydNASHVILLE – A bill that among other things would allow Chattanooga to permit whiskey distilleries rolled through the House Finance Committee today over the objections of Rep. Richard Floyd, R-Chattanooga.
“This bill has been cunningly prepared,” Floyd, a non-drinker, told the panel. “There’s a lot of no see ‘ums. The devil’s in the details.”
Floyd charged the bill, which has statewide application, goes far beyond its original intent and would allow distilleries to locate in unincorporated areas of Hamilton and other counties as long as at least one jurisdiction has approved both liquor by the drink and retail package store sales.
Floyd also contended that it’s another “misconception” that counties can “opt out” of the would-be law’s provisions. He then attacked the measure, saying distilleries could sell whiskey on Sundays.
That’s the “one I’m most concerned with,” Floyd said. “I pray you will be.”