GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY, Mich., (WPBN/WGTU) -- Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed House Bill 4842 into law Tuesday, which cuts costs for small Michigan distilleries.
HB 4842 assists the distillery industry by lowering mark up costs associated with the purchase of Michigan grain, increasing the number of bottles distillers can produce while saving them and their customers money.
"Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and today I am proud to sign bipartisan legislation that supports an iconic and growing Michigan industry – craft distilleries," Whitmer said. "This bipartisan bill lowering costs for Michigan distillers demonstrates what we are capable of when we work together and put Michiganders first."
A local distillery owner voiced support for the bill, saying it would help their bottom line.
“The signing of this bill today by Governor Whitmer is the single largest help for craft distillers since 2007 when Grand Traverse Distillery started producing spirits,” said Kent Rabish, owner of Grand Traverse Distillery. “We have always use local grain and this is going to help the bottom line tremendously."
"We were planning on a price increase with our vodka line since we have never increased the price and with the cost-of-living adjustments we just couldn’t afford to sell it any longer at $30 a bottle," Rabish said. "This bill helps us maintain the cost for consumers.”
“Michigan ranks 7th in the nation for craft distilleries and generates more than a billion dollars in economic activity," said Gary McDowell, director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. "By using more locally grown and sourced products, it creates additional opportunities for our farmers, keeps more jobs in Michigan and supports local economies across the state.”