7th Annual Celebration Recognizes the Role Independent Off-Premise Retailers Have in Job Creation, Product Accessibility and Responsible Policies
BETHESDA, MD – October 31, 2016 – This November, American Beverage Licensees (ABL) and licensed beverage alcohol retailers nationwide will join together to celebrate the 7th Annual Package Liquor Store Month.
This November, American Beverage Licensees (ABL) and licensed beverage alcohol retailers nationwide will join together to celebrate the 7th Annual Package Liquor Store Month.
During the month of November, which kicks off the busy holiday sales season for package stores, ABL is encouraging everyone to recognize the important and vital role that these small businesses play within their local communities. This month-long celebration highlights the hard work, accomplishments and contributions of independent package liquor store owners from across the United States.
By investing in off-premise beverage licenses, which can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, package liquor stores owners are “buying-in” to their states’ three-tier alcohol systems; agreeing to operate under licensing rules implemented by public officials; and committing to the responsible sale of beverage alcohol.
Package store owners are leading by example when it comes to ensuring the proper sale of age-restricted products through specialized staff training; new product education and tastings; and by ensuring they remain accountable to industry regulators, while also helping to develop and shape industry-wide regulations and policies.
Across the country, off-premise beverage alcohol retailers also play an important and dynamic role within the greater economy – both at the state and federal levels – with an overall economic impact of $87.9 billion last year. These retailers further account for more than 531,000 jobs and $33.12 billion in wages and benefits (averaging $39,800 annually) – along with $6.22 billion in state taxes and $7.76 billion in federal taxes.
“Local, independently owned and operated off-premise retailers serve and invest in their communities,” said ABL President Warren Scheidt, the owner of 12 package liquor stores in central Indiana. “They are much more than just sellers of beer, wine and spirits – they also sponsor youth athletics organizations, support various civic endeavors, and tend to be on the frontlines of their communities after natural disasters and in other times of need.”
Some of the last independently-owned businesses on “Main Street,” beverage alcohol retailers also serve as the face of the industry within the framework of the three-tier system. These stores are where beverage brands are built and sustained by providing consumers with an education about beer, wine and spirits from trusted experts. This includes knowing where and how items are produced, as well as how best to enjoy and share them responsibly with friends and family.
“As consumers continue to embrace new products and enjoy established brands, independent package store owners create a marketplace that benefits the entire beverage alcohol industry and the millions of consumers that enjoy its products,” said John Bodnovich, ABL Executive Director. “Superior choice, great value and commitment to first-class customer service make for better informed and more responsible consumers of beverage alcohol.”
This November, ABL encourages you to show your support for Package Liquor Store Month by posting a picture of your favorite package liquor store to Facebook and/or Twitter using the hashtag #PLSMonth. You can also download and share a number of promotional materials from our website by clicking here.
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American Beverage Licensees is the preeminent national trade association for beverage alcohol retailers. Direct retail beverage alcohol sales in the United States generate as many as 1.94 million well-paying jobs. ABL’s thousands of on-premise and off-premise licensee members are independent and often family-owned establishments. The beverage retailing industry pays over $25.3 billion in federal taxes and $18.36 billion in state and local taxes. To learn more about ABL, visit www.ablusa.org.