HEADLINE: Whiskey distillery bill passes, on way to Tennessee governor
THE RECAP: A whiskey distillery bill is on its way to the governor after the State Senate agreed to a House amendment on Thursday. The bill expands a 2009 law to allow Hamilton County to decide whether to permit alcohol distilleries. The move paves the way for Chattanooga Whiskey Co. to open a distillery and manufacture its own product locally.
DREW’S VIEW: Despite strong opposition from State Rep. Richard Floyd, R-Chattanooga, in the House, it now appears that Chattanooga Whiskey Co. will soon have the opportunity to distill its high quality whiskey here in Chattanooga.
The legislation is great news on all fronts. The distillery will draw tourists, create jobs, generate tax dollars and become a point of pride for our area.
There’s good news for Rep. Floyd, too. If he doesn’t want to visit the distillery or drink Chattanooga Whiskey’s products, he doesn’t have to. No one will force him to (even though he feverishly tried to force his views on the majority of Hamilton County residents).