Cider Makers to Benefit under Vail Proposal

HARTFORD — State Rep. Kurt Vail hopes to extend state liquor laws to cover Connecticut’s rapidly growing cider manufacturing industry.

Vail, a Stafford Republican, told the legislature’s General Law Committee on Thursday that his proposal, H.B. 5033, would allow cider mills the same onsite free sampling benefits given to beer and winemakers. Current law allows beer and wine manufacturers to provide tastings of free samples of their products brewed on the premises, along with selling bottles outside of their property – but not cider makers.

“This will allow cider manufacturers the same opportunity that we give to those in the beer and wine industry to promote their products,” Vail said. “Cider manufacturing is growing in Connecticut, and by giving these manufacturers equal treatment as others in the alcoholic beverage industry, we will promote business and encourage development of these companies.”

Extending the law, proponents say, will encourage local agriculture and a Connecticut-grown movement where consumers shop and buy local goods.

“Craft breweries have become very popular in the last few years and hard cider is now enjoying that same popularity,” Stafford resident and cider manufacturer Daniel Tomlin said in written testimony. “States such as New York, that have cider friendly laws, have a strong industry of cideries that helps both the local businessman as well as the local apple farms. Support of this bill will ensure that [Connecticut] can encourage local business that will support local agriculture and local tourism with the creation of cideries, similar to what [the state’s] wineries have to offer.”