Credit MARK CHAMBERLIN
UPDATE: On Thursday night, CNN reports the federal government said it will not impose the $14,000 fines on distillers.
Statement from Brian Harrison, Health and Human Services Chief of Staff: “Small businesses who stepped up to fight COVID-19 should be applauded by their government, not taxed for doing so.
“I’m pleased to announce we have directed FDA to cease enforcement of these arbitrary, surprise user fees. Happy New Year, distilleries, and cheers to you for helping keep us safe!”
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At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic this past spring, distilleries across the country, including some in Rochester, halted their production of booze and pumped out countless bottles of previously scarce alcohol-based hand sanitizer. The businesses saw a need they could fill and rose to the occasion.
FDA Foolishly Smacks Struggling Distillers With $14,000 Fee For Producing Hand Sanitizer
FDA Foolishly Smacks Struggling Distillers With $14,000 Fee For Producing Hand Sanitizer
(UPDATE) The FDA has backed down from this fee collection program after being told to do so by the federal Department of Health & Human Services. Read more on this latest development here.
Editor’s Note: It is our strong opinion here at The Whiskey Wash that this is a startling poor call on the part of the FDA at a time when these distilleries stepped up to do a decidedly public service. We call upon the government agency to rescind this fee described below immediately.
Clarksville NowOld Glory Distillery on hook for $14,060 fee from the FDA.
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Distilleries across the country that stepped up and began producing hand sanitizer in the face of a pandemic-induced shortage are now on the hook for a fee from the Food and Drug Administration of $14,060, including Clarksville’s Old Glory Distillery.
One facet of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) legislation was that it overhauled the process of getting FDA approval for manufacturing and selling over-the-counter, non-prescription products such as hand sanitizer.
However, by expediting the process of securing approval for what the FDA calls “Over-the-counter monograph drug,” distilleries like Old Glory are now footing the bill.
(Update: Gov. Brown signs bills; statement from Distilled Spirits Council)
Drinks to go must be paired with prepared food deliveries
PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) Gov. Kate Brown late Wednesday signed into law Senate Bill 1801, allowing many Oregon bars and restaurants to sell alcoholic “drinks to go.” The Oregon Liquor Control Commission adopted the rules for the new offering the day after the bill s passage.
Gov. Brown has signed all four bills stemming from the one-day special session on Monday, an aide confirmed.
The OLCC held a special commission meeting Tuesday to enact temporary rules that align with the drinks-to-go legislation the Legislature approved during Monday s special session as part of a package of COVID-19 economic relief measures.