By Doug Nadvornick

SPOKANE, WA (N3) - Washington's relatively-new craft distillery industry is hoping for a boost from state lawmakers. They're lobbying for a bill that would raise the limits on how much liquor distillers can make each year.

The equipment is humming at Washington's first distillery, Dry Fly in Spokane. Co-owner Don Poffenroth says, last year, the company made and sold about 10-thousand gallons of vodka, whiskey and gin. The state limit is 20-thousand. Poffenroth says his business is growing by leaps and bounds.

Don Poffenroth: "So we could potentially come up against that ceiling this year, if we have the same kind of year."

Poffenroth is asking the legislature to raise the yearly limit for Washington's craft distilleries to 60-thousand gallons. He also wants permission to make spirits for farmers who bring in surplus grain or grapes. State law requires distillers to use in-state products for at least half of their raw material.

Spokane Democratic Senator Chris Marr is the sponsor of legislation that would ease Washington's craft distillery limits. About a dozen businesses have licenses to make booze and another dozen or so have applied.