Liquor stores in Florida and beer distributors are joining forces to challenge the way Florida is issuing licenses that let breweries sell their products in tasting rooms.

The Florida Retail Federation is suing the Department of Business and Professional Regulation and is being joined by the associations that represent beer distributors.

The groups say they are only trying to clarify rules regarding licenses to sell beer at breweries. The brewers, on the other hand, see the action as an attack on the industry and an attempt to stifle its growth, growth that has seen the addition of nearly 80 new breweries in Florida since 2007.

The liquor stores and beer distributors are asking the state to stop issuing new licenses to breweries allowing on-site sales. It will be interesting to see how this case progresses as tasting rooms are such a critical component to the growth of the craft beer industry.