Policy Priorities

Advancing federal policies that strengthen independent beverage alcohol retailers and preserve a competitive, responsible marketplace.

Hospitality and beverage alcohol combine to form a powerful economic engine in the United States. Direct retail sales of beer, wine and spirits generate more than 2 million jobs, supporting local economies and providing consumers with safe, legal access to the drinks they enjoy.

American Beverage Licensees (ABL) advocates for federal policies that preserve a competitive, responsible beverage alcohol ecosystem while preserving the role of independent retailers and the three-tier system that has served consumers and communities for generations.

ABL’s advocacy focuses on policies that strengthen local small businesses, promote fair competition, and make sure alcohol policy continues to balance commerce, responsibility, public safety and regulatory integrity.

Supporting Independent Beverage Retailers

Independent beverage alcohol retailers are small businesses that create jobs, serve neighborhoods and strengthen local economies across the country.

ABL advocates for federal tax, regulatory and small business policies that allow locally owned retailers to compete, invest and grow while reducing unnecessary burdens that increase costs and complexity.

Federal policy should recognize the essential role beverage licensees play on Main Street and support an environment where independent businesses can continue to thrive.

Elevating Beverage Alcohol Policy in Washington

The beverage alcohol industry is a significant contributor to the American economy and deserves a strong voice in federal policymaking.

ABL works with Congress, federal agencies and coalition partners to ensure policymakers understand how federal legislation and regulation affect independent beverage alcohol retailers and the communities they serve.

Effective alcohol policy depends on collaboration among retailers, producers, wholesalers, regulators and lawmakers to advance practical, balanced solutions.

Protecting the Three-Tier System

America's three-tier system has promoted accountability, product safety, tax collection and responsible alcohol distribution for nearly a century.

ABL supports federal policies that preserve state authority under the Twenty-first Amendment while protecting the integrity of the three-tier marketplace and the important role of independent retailers.

ABL advocates for balanced alcohol policies that respect state regulatory authority, encourage competition and safeguard public health and consumer confidence.

Ensuring Responsible Alcohol Policy

Alcohol policy should promote responsibility while recognizing that beverage alcohol requires a distinct regulatory framework.

ABL supports evidence-based policies that encourage responsible consumption, combat impaired driving and preserve effective alcohol regulation while opposing approaches that weaken existing safeguards or blur distinctions between beverage alcohol and other intoxicating products.

As new products and technologies emerge, federal policy should protect consumers, promote regulatory clarity and maintain a level playing field for responsible businesses.

Strengthening the Beverage Alcohol Economy

America's beverage alcohol industry supports millions of jobs across agriculture, manufacturing, distribution, retail, hospitality and tourism while generating significant economic activity in communities nationwide.

ABL advocates for trade, tax and economic policies that expand market opportunities, strengthen domestic production, improve supply chain resilience and avoid unnecessary costs that burden businesses and consumers.

Federal economic policy should recognize the interconnected nature of the beverage alcohol supply chain and the vital role independent retailers play in supporting local economies.

Explore ABL Advocacy

Federal Issues — Learn more about the legislative and regulatory issues affecting independent beverage alcohol retailers.

Three-Tier System — Explore ABL’s work to preserve state authority and the integrity of the licensed beverage marketplace.

Responsibility — Learn more about ABL’s commitment to responsible sales, service and alcohol policy.

ABLPAC — Learn more about ABL’s political engagement on behalf of beverage alcohol retailers.