9th Annual Celebration Recognizes the Role Independent Off-Premise Retailers Have in Job Creation, Product Accessibility & Responsible Policies
BETHESDA, MD – OCTOBER 31, 2018 – This November, American Beverage Licensees (ABL) and licensed beverage alcohol retailers nationwide will join together to celebrate the 9th Annual Package Liquor Store Month. This celebration recognizes the hard work, dedication and accomplishments of independent package liquor store owners from across the United States. Since 2009, ABL has encouraged cities, towns and municipalities to recognize the important and vital role that these small businesses play within their local communities.
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 $42.04 billion last year. These retailers further account for more than 565,000 jobs, $18.67 billion in wages and benefits, along with $7.12 billion state/local taxes and $9.18 billion in federal taxes.
Package stores are also some of the last independently-owned businesses on “Main Street” in America’s cities and towns. They serve as the face of the beverage industry for consumers within the framework of the Three-Tier System of alcohol producers, distributors and retailers. Beverage alcohol brands are built by these businesses, and for many beverage consumers, their local package liquor store introduces them to new styles, flavors and varieties from an ever-evolving beverage industry. This customer service and education often comes from trusted experts and includes how best to enjoy and share these products responsibly with friends and family.
“As some of the last remaining independent businesses on Main Street, package liquor stores, which in most cases also sell beer and wine, train their employees to conduct safe and responsible face-to-face sales to adult consumers, thus leading by example when it comes to preventing underage access to alcohol,” said ABL President Steve Morris. “America’s independent package liquor stores also continue to have a positive impact on their communities by creating jobs, supporting local youth sports and civic organizations, leading disaster relief efforts, offering unparalleled product choices to millions of customers and leading the way when it comes to selling beverage alcohol responsibly.”
In many states, legislators and regulators have recognized that the best and safest place to sell distilled spirits is at a licensed package liquor store. Package store owners appreciate the uniqueness of the products they sell, embracing responsibility and the privileges conferred to them with that license. Unlike some other industries, brick-and-mortar beverage businesses must abide by their state-specific laws for selling alcohol and are accountable to their state alcohol authorities. As such, licensees are continuously training themselves and their staff to conduct safe and responsible sales to adult consumers, and are leading the fight to prevent underage access to alcohol.
“As consumers continue embracing new products and enjoy long-standing brands, independent package store owners provide an environment where a knowledgeable staff can educate customers on the thousands of options they have when it comes to picking the beverage that’s right for them,” noted John Bodnovich, ABL Executive Director. “Superior choice, great value and commitment to first-rate 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, Instagram or Twitter using the hashtag #PLSMonth.
Click here to view #PLSMonth promotional materials!
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