BETHESDA, MD – Sept. 29, 2026 – American Beverage Licensees (ABL) issued the following statement after the U.S. Senate passed the bipartisan Common Cents Act (H.R. 10167) by unanimous consent on September 28, sending the legislation to the President:

“America’s beer, wine and spirits retailers applaud the Senate’s passage of the Common Cents Act and thank Congress for completing its work on this important legislation.  The bill provides Main Street beverage businesses with much-needed clarity for managing cash transactions following the decision to end production of the penny.

“For local bars, taverns and package liquor stores, accepting cash remains an important part of serving customers.  Establishing a federal framework for rounding cash transactions will give retailers clear rules to follow and provide certainty for businesses and consumers as the country transitions away from the penny.

“ABL has been proud to work alongside a broad coalition of Main Street business organizations to support the Common Cents Act throughout the legislative process.  We thank lawmakers in both parties and both chambers for recognizing the real challenges facing retailers and advancing a commonsense solution.  We urge the President to swiftly sign the Common Cents Act into law.

“ABL thanks Representatives Lisa McClain (R-MI) and Robert Garcia (D-CA), and Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), for their bipartisan leadership and sustained work to move the Common Cents Act through Congress.”

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