State Representative Mike Alberts (R-50) has proposed a bill that will allow farm wineries to sell brandy made from fruit harvested on premises but distilled off premises.

The bill, HB 5119, will not only increase sales and revenue of these farms but will also increase local traffic and tourism. A similar bill was proposed in 2014 and was unanimously passed on the House floor, but it did not receive a vote in the Senate.

“Current permits do not allow this practice, which is unfortunate,” Alberts said. “These farms are producing something that will attract new customers and new visitors to the area.”

On Jan. 9, the Environment Committee voted to draft the bill as a Committee bill, which means that it is one step closer to receiving a public hearing in the coming weeks.