As We Enter the New Year 2017
The past year has been something else…
Mountain West Hard Cider started 2016 strong with Ruby Hard Cider, our flagship product, and throughout the year launched four new products, doubled our staff, and participated in over two dozen community events and outreach programs. It is somewhat surreal knowing that all three of our year-round ciders are available for purchase in UT state liquor stores and in over 150 bars and restaurants across the Salt Lake Valley and Park City. Did we mention all our products offerings are available at our package store located at 425 North 400 West in Salt Lake City?
The past year has truly been a success and we thank you, our biggest fans for the support. We look forward to capitalizing on this momentum as we continue to broaden our distribution and launch our 4th year-round product, Desolation, in the coming months. Stay tuned.
Progress is impossible without change, right? Well, the new year brings along a variety of new changes – changes in the form of obligations and laws impacting tasting room operations throughout the state.
Although some of the new laws clarify existing law and provide consistency among tasting rooms and beverage manufacturers, there are several significant changes that we must implement.
We hope this brief overview provides our friends and valued customers with helpful guidance and understanding of our new requirements.
Some key provisions and more notable changes taking effect January 1, 2017 include:
I. Manufacturers establish a distinct area for consumption outside the view of minors and in which minors are not allowed into during the time when tasting occurs. MTN WST furnishes a ‘distinct’ area for tasting as is, however, if a minor is present, we will not provide tastings.
II. Manufacturers shall have substantial food available. MTN WST is proud members of Utah’s Own and features local purveyors at the cidery. Their fine products are available for purchase as an accompaniment to tastings if customers shall choose to do so.
III. Manufacturers shall charge an individual for a taste; aggregate total of the tasting must not exceed 5 ounces. MTN WST will charge $5.00 per tasting up to five ounces total.
IV. Manufacturers may not allow an individual to participate in more than one tasting within a calendar day. MTN WST will record all tastings using a valid identification for each individual within a 24 hour period.
We will continue to be faced with challenges and obstacles as it is the nature of our business. Mountain West Hard Cider will continue to overcome these changes and set in motion opportunity for our friends, partners, and customers.
As we look forward to the new year and what that may bring, take a moment to revisit 2016 with us.
Cheers,
Jennifer Carleton