The purpose and effect of the proposed rule is to clarify how manufacturers and distributors may participate in non-profit retailer trade shows and conventions.

DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL REGULATION
Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco

RULE NO: RULE TITLE
61A-1.01018: Trade Shows and Conventions
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose and effect of the proposed rule is to clarify how manufacturers and distributors may participate in non-profit retailer trade shows and conventions.
SUMMARY: This rule is part of a large set being promulgated to implement statutory provisions relating to approved advertising and promotional gifts, including coupons, as they pertain to the sales of alcoholic beverages.
SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COSTS: No Statement of Estimated Regulatory Cost was prepared.
Any person who wishes to provide information regarding a statement of estimated regulatory costs, or provide a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative must do so in writing within 21 days of this notice.
SPECIFIC AUTHORITY: 561.11, 561.42 FS.
LAW IMPLEMENTED: 561.08, 561.42 FS.
A HEARING WILL BE HELD AT THE DATE, TIME AND PLACE SHOWN BELOW:
DATE AND TIME: Wednesday, February 13, 2008, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. or until completion of business, whichever is earlier, at which time the record will close
PLACE: Professions Boardroom, Northwood Centre, 1940 N. Monroe Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399
THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Lisa Livezey Comingore, Assistant General Counsel, Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco, Office of the General Counsel, 1940 North Monroe Street, Suite 42, Tallahassee, Florida 32399, [phone]

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

61A-1.01018 Trade Shows and Conventions.

(1) Manufacturers and distributors may participate in non-profit vendor association trade shows and conventions.

Participation may include:

(a) Displaying products;

(b) Renting display space at normal trade show rates;

(c) Paying normal registration fees;

(d) Purchasing tickets to functions;

(e) Providing samples to attendees;

(f) Conducting tastings for attendees;

(g) Providing hospitality independent of sponsored activities by the association or any member vendors; and

(h) Purchasing advertisements in publications distributed during conventions and trade shows. Payments for all such advertisements shall not exceed $300 per year to any retail association.

(2) Malt beverage manufacturers and distributors shall not provide any gifts to vendor associations that advertise malt beverages.

Specific Authority 561.11, 561.42 FS. Law Implemented 561.08, 561.42 FS. History–New________.

NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: Cynthia Hill, Director, Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco
NAME OF SUPERVISOR OR PERSON WHO APPROVED THE PROPOSED RULE: Ralf Michels, Chief Attorney, Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco, Office of the General Counsel, 1940 North Monroe Street, Suite 42, Tallahassee, Florida 32399, [phone]
DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: November 28, 2007
DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAW: August 17, 2007