About

American Beverage Licensees is the preeminent national trade association for retail beverage alcohol license holders across the United States. ABL’s members are comprised of on-premise (e.g. bars, taverns, restaurants, casinos) and off-premise (e.g. package stores) retailers. These retailers are generally organized through state licensed beverage retail associations, which in turn hold affiliate membership in ABL.
ABL focuses on the interests of beverage alcohol retailers before Congress and in a national setting. ABL also provides a unifying network for the retail tier of the beverage alcohol industry which recognizes that while all state alcohol laws are different, they are not necessarily dissimilar. ABL continues to be a voice for the retail tier of the beverage alcohol industry thanks in large part to its hard-working members and standing with its fellow industry organizations.
The beverage businesses that ABL represents are Main Street businesses that can be found in local communities across the country. Many ABL members operate multi-generational family businesses, which assure the responsible sale and enjoyment of beverage alcohol products. They are the last to handle beer, wine and spirits before they reach consumers, and play an important role in representing the hospitality industry and promoting responsibility.
ABL works with other members of beverage alcohol industry including wholesalers, suppliers and importers to support educational programs, legislative initiatives, strategic communications and industry unity.
ABL’s headquarters are located just outside of Washington, D.C. in Bethesda, Maryland. ABL is a registered 501(c)(6) nonprofit trade association.