Distilleries could serve cocktails under House-passed bill

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) – Bourbon tourists could start sipping cocktails as part of the experience of visiting a Kentucky distillery under a bill passed by the state House.

The measure would allow distilleries in wet territories to offer by-the-drink sales. It also would let the distilleries sell more of their whiskey and offer slightly larger amounts of free samples.

The bill cleared the House on a 76-20 vote Monday. If the Senate accepts House changes, the bill moves on to Gov. Matt Bevin’s desk. The Senate passed the legislation in mid-January.

The House reduced the amount of liquor adult visitors could purchase at distillery gift shops in wet territories. The House version allows purchases up to 4.5 liters, compared with the Senate version of up to 9 liters. The current limit is 3 liters.