Craft Brewers and Wineries Could See Relief with Proposed Exemption from Franchise Laws
Columbus, Ohio — In a notable legislative development, Ohio craft brewers and wineries are close to obtaining reprieve from restrictive franchise laws that have long governed their distribution agreements. A new bill proposed in the state legislature aims to carve out exemptions for these small beverage producers, potentially altering the landscape of the state’s alcohol industry. Under current Ohio law, once a brewer or winemaker selects a distributor, switching to another is fraught with difficulties. These laws, designed to prevent large manufacturers from exploiting distributors, inadvertently ensnare smaller enterprises, limiting their flexibility and growth. The … Read more