Bipartisan effort will educate legislators about the hospitality industry

Bethesda, MD – June 10, 2015 – America’s beer, wine and spirits retailers expressed their support today for the newly-formed Congressional Hospitality Caucus and the heightened awareness it will bring to the hospitality industry. Co-chaired by Representatives Sean Duffy (R-WI) and Derek Kilmer (D-WA), the bipartisan Congressional member organization will educate legislators and the public about the value and role of the American hospitality industry.

 

The Caucus will provide a forum in which members of Congress can explore issues facing beverage alcohol retailers, distributors and producers. It will also draw attention to the hospitality industry’s commitment to social responsibility, the economic impact of the industry, and the federal policies and regulations that shape this significant sector of the American economy. As a key part of the hospitality industry, direct retail alcohol sales create as many as 1.7 million jobs across the U.S. and generate as much as $245 billion in total economic activity with more than $36 billion paid in taxes.

 

“Responsible hospitality and retailing are at the heart of bar, tavern and package store owners’ businesses,” said John Bodnovich, ABL’s Executive Director. “Representatives Duffy and Kilmer should be commended for taking the lead in launching the Hospitality Caucus and focusing on the positive impact of beverage licensees and the industry’s commitment to responsibility.”

“‘Hospitality’ is the friendly, warm and generous treatment of guests or strangers. It’s hard to imagine a more appropriate quality for Congress to embrace and champion.”

Congressional caucuses are formed by members of Congress to pursue common legislative objectives and are formally registered with the House of Representatives. Caucuses often hold educational meetings, briefings and special events to create awareness of issues and ideas.

ABL encourages members of Congress to show their support for the thousands of businesses and millions of Americans that make up the hospitality industry by joining the Hospitality Caucus.

“Hospitality and responsibility issues cover a wide spectrum of policy areas,” said Bodnovich. “We support any platform that gives legislators an opportunity to learn more about the vibrant and innovative retail hospitality businesses that are found in communities across the country.”

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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 1.77 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 $19.3 billion in federal taxes and $16.9 billion in state and local taxes. To learn more about ABL, visit www.ablusa.org.

A PDF of this press release can be found here: ABL Toasts Congressional Hospitality Caucus