Dear Craft Beer Fans -

I am writing to you in regards to the recent legal challenge filed by groups that oppose the Florida craft beer industry. This legal challenge is being led by the Florida Independent Spirits Association, the Florida Retail Federation and the beer wholesalers’ lobbying organizations. This has been an orchestrated attack on our industry.

As many of you know, we have been fighting for 2+ years to legalize half gallon growlers and we have continually been forced to go on the defensive to protect our interests. We are fighting groups that have the resources and political clout to fight us at every turn.

One of our only weapons has been your support and it is much appreciated.

When I started Intuition over 4 years ago I was focused on making great beer, supporting my community and advocating for our industry.

I have spent far too much time and energy protecting my industry against groups that want to slow our growth at a minimum and at a maximum make us go away.

I have 2 young sons that I would love to be involved with Intuition one day. I love this industry and take pride in creating a legacy for my boys. I could not live with myself if I did not fight to protect this industry. My parents raised me to stand up for what I believe in and I have always taken that to heart.

Our taprooms are vital to the health of our industry. Our opposition is strongly opposed to the way our taprooms currently operate. We currently can sell our beer directly to our supporters via our taproom. Our opposition would like to force us to sell our beer to a distributor and then buy it back, at a markup, before we can sell it to you. I am strongly opposed to any change to the current laws intended to hurt my business and my industry as a whole.

Our opposition knows we do not have the financial resources to fight their legal challenge.

This is where you come in. The Florida Brewers Guild has set up a crowdfunded legal defense fund. We estimate that we will need $100,000 to fight this. A ridiculous sum but it is the reality of the situation.

Here is a link to the site: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/save-florida-s-craft-breweries

Any contribution will help as we are literally fighting for the life of the Florida craft brewing industry.

I want to make this clear that this is a legal issue not a legislative one. Our state reps cannot help us, yet.

This is how you can help. Contact our opposition:

Florida Retail Federation (850) 222-4082

Beer Industry of Florida (850) 222-8960

Florida Beer Wholesalers Association (850) 224-2337

Florida Independent Spirits Association (850) 421-9100

Ask them why they are fighting against the craft breweries they sell, and ask them to drop their legal challenge.

Thanks in advance for your past and continued support.

Ben Davis

Founder, Intuition Ale Works