Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear has signed into law House Bill 315 at Alltech’s Lexington Brewing and Distilling that enables breweries to serve complimentary samples of malt beverages.
Earlier this year, the General Assembly has passed this legislation, which is designed to encourage Alltech and other Kentucky brewers to become part of Kentucky's tourism industry.
Nicholasville representative Robert Damron has sponsored this legislation.
Beshear said that tourism is a vital part of Kentucky's economy, and the enactment of this legislation gives Kentucky yet another promotable product that will entice more visitors to the Commonwealth.
"Combined with our world-known Kentucky Bourbon Trail promotion, Kentucky is fast becoming the place to visit when travelers are looking for a unique experience," Beshear added.
With the new legislation into effect, Alltech's brewery will restart offering beer samples as part of its regular tour.
The company has stopped beer samplings in July 2012 as it failed to qualify for a tasting permit under Kentucky law.
Alltech founder and president Pearse Lyons said that with the growth of craft beer nationwide, this measure will allow craft brewers to expand and promote their products.
"After all, craft brewers are entrepreneurs at their core, and this new bill will support the growing entrepreneurship of those brewers in Kentucky," Lyons added.
