Get your Big Gulp cups out because, after decades of prohibition, Florida lifted the ban on large wine bottles, citing economic freedom and consumer demand.
Fla. News: In a move that’s sure to delight wine and champagne enthusiasts, Florida has officially lifted its ban on the sale of 15-liter bottles of wine and champagne within the state. This change comes after years of prohibition, and it’s a development that’s being welcomed by wine merchants, restaurateurs, and connoisseurs alike.
Florida has recently passed a law allowing the sale of 15-liter bottles of wine and champagne, a move that has both wine enthusiasts and industry experts buzzing. This change, effective from July 1, 2024, overturns a long-standing regulation that had prohibited the sale of wine in containers larger than one gallon (approximately 3.8 liters) since 1939.
The ban on 15-liter bottles, also known as Nebuchadnezzar or Balthazar bottles, was initially implemented due to concerns over their size and potential impact on drunk driving. Lawmakers had worried that the large bottles would encourage excessive drinking and, subsequently, increase the risk of accidents on the state’s roads.