Bill > HB194

This bill revises the Alcohol Franchise Law by modifying the definition of "manufacturer" in Ohio's Revised Code. Specifically, the bill changes the definition to exclude any person producing less than two hundred fifty thousand barrels of beer per year, which appears to create an exemption for smaller beer producers. The bill maintains existing definitions for key terms like "alcoholic beverages" (which includes beer and wine), "distributor" (a person selling alcoholic beverages to retail permit holders), and "franchise" (a contract establishing a relationship between a manufacturer and distributor). The bill also preserves the existing definitions of "good faith" (acting fairly and equitably without coercion) and "sales area or territory" (an exclusive geographic area assigned to a particular permit holder). By amending section 1333.82 and then repealing the existing version, the bill updates the legal framework governing relationships between alcohol manufacturers and distributors in Ohio, with a particular focus on providing flexibility for smaller beer producers.

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https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb194