Bill allowing some distilleries to serve cocktails advances

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) – Bourbon tourists could sip cocktails and purchase more bottles from Kentucky distilleries in wet territories under a bill that has won approval from a state Senate committee.

The bill cleared the Licensing, Occupations and Administrative Regulations Committee on a 9-1 vote Tuesday. Senate Majority Leader Damon Thayer says it could be voted on in coming days by the full Senate.

Eric Gregory, president of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, says the legislation would help distilleries reach their full potential as tourist attractions.

The measure drew criticism from some in the liquor business.

Bardstown liquor store owner Guthrie McKay says letting distilleries sell more bottles to visitors would hurt retail stores. He says liquor stores already have difficulty getting some specialty products from distilleries.

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The legislation is Senate Bill 11.

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press.