Bethesda, MD – Today, American Beverage Licensees (ABL) joins millions across the country in celebrating Repeal Day, marking the anniversary of the repeal of Prohibition on December 5, 1933. This historic moment not only restored Americans’ right to responsibly enjoy beverage alcohol but also established the foundation for the modern, thriving beverage alcohol industry that supports numerous jobs, local economies, and communities.

“As governments, the media and the public think about the role of beverage alcohol in our society, it’s important to remember what didn’t work,” said ABL Executive Director John Bodnovich.  “Today is a great reminder that repeating the failed experiment of Prohibition would be a mistake, as would instituting ‘Prohibition-light’ policies that are out-of-step with everyday Americans’ views on beer, wine and spirits.”

The beverage alcohol industry has set an example of how fair and equitable regulation and treatment of Main Street small businesses is good for consumers.  State-based three-tier systems, balanced with measured federal oversight, have connected consumers with diverse and innovative products that make the U.S. beverage alcohol marketplace the envy of the world.

With the commemoration of Repeal Day, ABL reaffirms its commitment to protecting a safe, efficient, and consumer-oriented marketplace where its small business members can grow and thrive.  While the beverage alcohol industry has achieved remarkable success, it is imperative to remain vigilant against efforts that could undermine those achievements.

“Local beverage businesses are more than just purveyors of great products,” added Bodnovich. “They are pillars of their communities, contributing to local economies, creating jobs, and supporting responsible practices.  Repeal Day reminds us of the progress we’ve made and the importance of preserving a system that works for everyone.”

American Beverage Licensees extends its gratitude to the hardworking men and women of the beverage alcohol industry who continue to honor the legacy of Repeal Day by fostering a vibrant, competitive, and responsible marketplace.  Cheers to a bright future!

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BETHESDA, MD – With Small Business Saturday and the start of the busy holiday season, American Beverage Licensees (ABL) is encouraging everyone to recognize the important contributions of package liquor stores to local economies, communities, and responsible alcohol consumption.

With the Thanksgiving holiday kicking off the busiest time of year for the nation’s beverage alcohol retailers, the holidays provide an important opportunity to highlight the challenges and opportunities that these Main Street small businesses are working through in Washington, DC and in their home states and towns.

“Beverage retailers play an indispensable role in the economy, generating jobs, driving economic activity, and supporting their communities,” said ABL Executive Director John Bodnovich. “As we recognize Package Liquor Store Month and the broader holiday season, it’s critical that Congress address key legislative priorities impacting our members.”

Among the priorities for beverage alcohol retailers is swipe fee reform, a pressing issue as credit card transaction fees remain a significant cost burden for small businesses and their customers.  ABL continues to urge Congress to pass the Credit Card Competition Act to bring transparency and competition to the payment processing system, reducing costs for retailers and consumers alike.

Additionally, beverage retailers are raising concerns about tariffs on imported alcohol products, which can lead to higher prices for businesses and consumers.  Tariffs hinder the ability of small retailers to deliver value to customers and further strain family-owned businesses already facing tight margins in an economy where consumers are as price conscious as ever.

Package liquor stores continue to serve their communities by providing a wide selection of beer, wine, and spirits, while prioritizing efforts to keep alcohol out of the hands of minors.  As key components in the public safety equation in their communities, they remain vigilant in the face of efforts to dismantle regulations that ensure fair competition and a level playing field for licensed businesses, whether in statehouses or courthouses.

ABL once again salutes the outstanding efforts of package liquor store owners and their employees, who not only help make holiday gatherings memorable but also uphold their responsibility to ensure alcohol is sold safely and responsibly.

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BETHESDA, MD – American Beverage Licensees (ABL) welcomed the recent dismissal of a challenge to Rhode Island law that allows local retailers to deliver alcohol but prohibits out-of-state retailers from delivering wine directly to Rhode Island consumers.

Filed by wine consumers in 2019, the case, Anvar v. Dwyer, had previously been dismissed by the U.S. District Court for Rhode Island, was appealed to the First Circuit Court before being sent back down to the District Court where it was once again dismissed, though this time at the behest of the plaintiffs.

Unlike similar complaints in other jurisdictions, Anvar did not have an out-of-state retailer as a plaintiff, relying instead on Rhode Island consumers to advance the claim.  The District Court sought arguments as to whether these Plaintiffs had standing to challenge the constitutionality of Rhode Island’s laws restricting out-of-state retailers from delivering or shipping wine to a consumer in Rhode Island, and how their preferred outcome would effectively redress their concerns.  Faced with this request, the plaintiffs moved to dismiss the case as well as a similar complaint (Barham v. Dwyer).

“The dismissal of this case in Rhode Island represents yet another failed attack on states’ Constitutional rights to implement alcohol laws,” said ABL Executive Director John Bodnovich.

“Credit in this fight goes to the local beverage alcohol industry in Rhode Island, namely ABL affiliate the Rhode Island Liquor Operators Collaborative (RILOC).  RILOC Executive Nick Fede and members worked tirelessly with their industry partners – including the Rhode Island Responsible Beverage Alcohol Coalition – and the state to reaffirm the constitutionality of Rhode Island liquor laws.”

ABL shared its perspective on the matter by jointly filing an amicus curiae brief with the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) in 2023 with the First Circuit Court, supporting the state of Rhode Island and its three-tier system laws.

This Rhode Island case, which is in the First Circuit, now joins decisions in similar cases in the 2^nd, 4^th, 5^th, 6^th and 8^th Circuit Courts that confirm the legitimacy of state alcohol laws designed to ensure public safety, revenue collection, fair competition and a vibrant marketplace for consumers.  ABL is hopeful that there will soon be additional favorable outcomes in the 3^rd Circuit (New Jersey) and 9^th Circuit (Arizona).

“Local beverage retailers have a long history of weighing-in on Constitutional challenges to state alcohol laws in jurisdictions covering nearly the entire United States,” said Bodnovich.  “While their legal advocacy has had a profound effect on preserving the Constitutionally-sound system under which alcohol is sold and regulated in the United States, they remain eager for vexatious litigation to stop so they can focus their energy and resources on serving their customers.”

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BETHESDA, MD – American Beverage Licensees (ABL) Executive Director John Bodnovich issued the following statement after today’s U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee hearing entitled: Breaking the Visa-Mastercard Duopoly: Bringing Competition and Lower Fees to the Credit Card System:

“Today’s Senate hearing on credit card swipe fees brought to light what beer, wine and spirits retailers around the country already know: the credit card marketplace is broken.  Small businesses and consumers are being charged ‘rip off prices’, as one Senator put it, by credit card companies that acknowledged today their profit margins – made in part off the $172 billion in swipe fees everyday Americans and local Main Street businesses paid last year – are approximately 50 percent.

“The bipartisan skepticism of Visa and MasterCard’s claims about competition is further evidence that this is not a liberal or conservative issue.  Rather, it is a problem for American businesses and their customers who live with excessively high and ever-increasing swipe fees driven by the credit card duopoly.

“For nearly 20 years, ABL has fought for competition and fairness in the payment card market because for so many bars, taverns and package liquor stores, swipe fees are the second highest cost after labor and are non-negotiable.  By following the success achieved with debit card fee reform, which put savings back in consumers’ pockets, Congress should address runaway credit card swipe fees that fly in the face of competition.

“It is clear that the payment card marketplace ‘does not need to be this way’ and Congress should reject the anti-competitive behavior of the credit card industry by passing the Credit Card Competition Act to bring relief and competition that will ultimately benefit American consumers.”

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Outstanding Bar, Tavern and Package Beverage Store Owners Honored by National Trade Association

BETHESDA, MD – American Beverage Licensees (ABL) proudly recognized the 2024 ABL Retailers of the Year at its Annual Meeting held in San Antonio, Texas on July 27-29.  These prestigious awards honor beverage licensees who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and community engagement in the beverage alcohol industry.

This year’s award recipients were celebrated for their commitment to excellence, innovative practices, and significant contributions to their local communities.  Their efforts have not only enhanced their businesses but have also strengthened the broader beverage alcohol industry by setting high standards for customer service and responsible retailing.

“Each of these retailers exemplifies the spirit of entrepreneurship and dedication that drives the beverage alcohol industry forward,” said ABL Executive Director John Bodnovich. “They are leaders in their communities and advocates for our industry, showing how responsible and successful beverage retailing can make a positive impact both locally and nationally. ABL is proud to honor them for their achievements and their ongoing commitment to excellence.”

The 2024 ABL Retailers of the Year are:

• Alana Sasser | The Rabbit Hole | Tuscaloosa, AL
• Chris Carran | Locals Liquors | Silverthorne, CO
• Dwight Pardue | Olde Crabapple Bottle Shoppe | Alpharetta, GA
• Eddie Cruz | Jensen’s Liquors | Miami, FL
• Marty Jansen & Ryan Jansen | Orchard Inn Effingham, IL
• Charles Eberhardt | Community Spirits | Indianapolis, IN
• Joseph Carolan | Casa Mia’s Restaurant | Baltimore, MD
• Tushar Vadadoriya | JB Liquors | District Heights, MD
• Peter Balboni | Pioppi’s Package Store | Plymouth, MA
• Thomas Davis | Drunk’n Miner Copper Spirits Casino | Butte, MT
• Sean C. Negrin | Roselle Park Wines & Spirits | Roselle Park, NJ
• Jan & Mark Malik | Malik’s Fine Wine & Spirits | Warren, RI
• Larry Brenneman | BB Beverage, Inc. | Myrtle Beach, SC
• Thad Cox | Ashe’s Wines & Spirits | Knoxville, TN
• Justin Hamilton & Rebecca Drury | Spanky’s Liquor | Ingleside, TX
• Kris Zappa | Bourbon’s Bar | Cumberland, WI
• Cody Bateman | Discount Liquor | Evanston, WY

 

The 2024 Retailers of the Year were selected by ABL state affiliates from across the country, and represent the diversity of the retail tier of the beverage alcohol industry.  Their recognition underscores the vital role that independent retailers play in the fabric of their communities and in the national economy.

The ABL Annual Meeting in San Antonio provided a fitting backdrop for celebrating successul beverage businesses, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss the most pressing issues facing the beverage alcohol industry today.  The meeting highlighted the importance of collaboration, innovation, and advocacy in shaping the future of the industry.

ABL congratulates all of the honored businesses and licensees for their outstanding and continued contributions to their communities and the beverage alcohol the industry.

BETHESDA, MD – ABL held a successful Annual Meeting in San Antonio, Texas on July 27-29, celebrating beverage retailers’ important role in the American hospitality industry with educational sessions, product tasting and hospitality.  Industry leaders, policy experts, and members of the beverage alcohol community enjoyed insightful discussions, networking, and recognition of outstanding contributors to the industry.

Speakers highlighted a wide array of issues facing beverage licensees including third-party delivery companies for on-premise and off-premise alcohol; the evolving regulatory environment for hemp-derived THC and Delta-9 products; personal privacy laws and their impact on hospitality businesses; an overview of product, market and demographic trends currently shaping the industry; and industry reporters’ thoughts on the top stories in the alcohol industry.

Attendees also participated in events hosted by the Texas Package Stores Association as part of its Annual Convention & Trade Show, including an elegant wine tasting and a huge industry trade show featuring hundreds of products to taste and a joint general session featuring industry speakers.  ABL hosted a Brand Showcase of its own featuring more than 50 brands for attendees to enjoy, and to which TPSA members were invited.

“The hospitality ABL meeting attendees enjoyed in Texas was tremendous,” said ABL Executive Director John Bodnovich.  “In addition to our own extensive meeting program and providing value to our members, we were thrilled to participate with the Texas Package Stores Association and bring attention to both events.

At the ABL Board of Directors meeting that was held as part of the conference, ABL elected officers to two-year terms.  Bobby Greenawalt of Greenawalt Hospitality in Auburn, Alabama was re-elected as President; Nick Fede, Jr. of Kingstown Liquor Mart in North Kingstown, Rhode Island was elected Vice President – Off-Premise; Keith Kern of Jimmy’s Saloon in Superior, Wisconsin was elected Vice President – On-Premise; and Mark O’Callaghan of Exit 9 Wine & Liquor Warehouse in Clifton park, NY was elected At-Large Representative.

ABL recognized beverage licensees from across the country with the ABL Retailer of the Year Awards.  The Retailer of the Year awards recognize and honor ABL members who demonstrate excellence in advocacy; responsible sales and service practices; community engagement and service; and support of their state association.

Planning for the 2025 ABL Annual Meeting is underway with updates planned soon at www.ablusa.org.

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Common policy issues, food safety, and responsible alcohol service training will be primary focus of partnership

Bethesda, MD (August 6, 2024) – American Beverage Licensees (ABL) today announced that the National Restaurant Association, the leading business association for the restaurant industry, has joined its associate membership program as a platinum member. The two organizations will work together on issues significant to both, including food safety and responsible alcohol service education and training.

The National Restaurant Association’s ServSafe® is the premier provider of educational resources, materials, and programs to help attract and develop a strong foodservice industry workforce. It has been named one of America’s Top Online Learning Schools for two years running. ServSafe offers essential food and alcohol safety training and certification exams created by foodservice professionals and provides supplemental resources and best practices for all restaurant operators.

“For ABL members, ensuring the safety of their guests and the integrity of business operations is a top priority,” said John Bodnovich, ABL’s Executive Director. “By partnering with ServSafe, we are able to offer our members access to more options for training that will help them meet and exceed safety standards and continue their long-standing commitment to the responsible sale and service of beverage alcohol.”

The National Restaurant Association is the leading business association for the restaurant and foodservice industry — which has more than 1 million outlets and employs more than 15.5 million people. Together with 52 state associations, the Association is a network of professional organizations dedicated to serving every restaurant through advocacy, education, and food safety training.

“ServSafe, the industry’s leading food safety training program, has awarded more than 19 million food safety credentials since its launch in 1990,” said Michelle Korsmo, President & CEO of the National Restaurant Association. “We share ABL’s commitment to responsible alcohol service, and through this partnership, we’re building opportunities for their members to more easily and affordably access ServSafe Alcohol training and for us to learn directly from them how we might enhance our training offerings.”

Through its Associate Membership Program, ABL will provide ServSafe as their preferred food and beverage safety program.

To learn more about the National Restaurant Association, visit restaurant.org and to learn more about ServSafe food safety and responsible alcohol training, visit servsafe.com.

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April 25, 2024 — BETHESDA, MD – Momentum is building for the 2024 ABL Annual Meeting in San Antonio with speakers and sponsors jumping aboard and joining the program.  Taking place on July 27-29, 2024 at the San Antonio Marriott Riverwalk, attendees of ABL’s signature event are also invited to attend the Texas Package Stores Association (TPSA) Trade Show and other hospitality events taking place as part of the 77^th Annual TPSA Convention & Trade Show.

Confirmed speakers include:

• Sarah Barrett, Executive Editor of Wine & Spirits Daily, a leading daily publication with original reporting covering a host of issues on the wine and spirits industry;
• Craig Purser, President & CEO of the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) which represents America’s 3,000 independent beer distributors;
• Harry Schuhmacher, Publisher & Owner of Schuhmacher Publishing Company which publishes the influential Beer Business Daily.

Meeting attendees will also hear from NielsenIQ’s beverage alcohol practice who will share their perspectives on industry trends.  More speakers will be announced soon.

The conference will feature signature hospitality events, including those hosted by the American Distilled Spirits Alliance and Molson Coors Beverage Company.  ABL is also pleased to announce a growing group of beverage alcohol brands and companies that will be featured at the ABL Brand Showcase tasting event on Monday, July 29.

Confirmed brands include: Balcones Distilling, Beam-Suntory, Brown-Forman, Campari Group, Diageo, Dripping Springs Distilling, Edrington, Garrison Brothers, Infinium Spirits, Lalo Spirits, Luxco, Luxury Spirits, Milestone, Moet Hennessy USA, Pernod-Ricard USA, Remy Cointreau, Sazerac Co., and Serralles, USA.

Registered ABL attendees are invited to join TPSA at events throughout the weekend including the Cork Pull, Trade Show, and AfterGlow Party.  ABL and TPSA are also holding a joint General Session on Monday, July 29 with engaging speakers that will lead-in to the ABL Brand Showcase Monday afternoon.

Registration is now open for the annual meeting, and attendees can book their stay today at San Antonio Marriott Riverwalk at a nightly rate of $199 + applicable taxes and fees.  ABL’s room block is limited, and reservations are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, with the room block scheduled to close on July 5, 2024.

For the latest updates and information on the 2024 ABL Annual Meeting, be sure to visit www.ablusa.org.

March 12, 2024 – BETHESDA, MD – American Beverage Licensees (ABL) announced today that it will hold the 2024 ABL Annual Meeting in San Antonio, Texas on July 27-29, 2024.  Registration is now open for the event, which we will take place at the San Antonio Marriott Riverwalk.  In addition to ABL Annual Meeting events and hospitality, attendees are also invited to the Texas Package Stores Association (TPSA) Trade Show and other hospitality events taking place as part of the 77^th Annual TPSA Convention & Trade Show.

“Everything is bigger in Texas, and we expect that to be the case for the ABL Annual Meeting this summer,” said ABL Executive Director John Bodnovich. “This year we’re excited to build on the traditional ABL meeting and all the educational speakers, networking opportunities and hospitality that attendees have come to expect, with additional experiences and value thanks to TPSA and the great events it hosts.”

The ABL Annual Meeting will continue to focus on trends in alcohol policy and regulation, as well as developments in the alcohol marketplace.  Top practitioners from the beverage alcohol industry will share their expertise and views on key issues for licensed beverage retailers.  Past speakers have addressed a wide variety of topics including changes to alcohol policies, marijuana, the economy and inflation, enforcement of alcohol laws and much more.  As with past meetings, the goal of the conference is for attendees to bring home new insights and material to their states to help them be stronger advocates for themselves and their businesses.

Registered ABL attendees are invited to join TPSA at various events throughout the weekend including the Cork Pull, Trade Show, and AfterGlow Party.  ABL and TPSA are also working together on a joint General Session on Monday, July 29 with engaging speakers that will lead-in to the ABL Brand Showcase Monday afternoon.

With the ABL Annual Meeting taking place just steps from the San Antonio Marriott Riverwalk, meeting registrants will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of San Antonio – in addition to enjoying a host of hospitality events that are part of the program.

Attendees can book their stay today at San Antonio Marriott Riverwalk at a nightly rate of $199 + applicable taxes and fees.  ABL’s room block is limited, and reservations are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, with the room block scheduled to close on July 5, 2024.

Additional information – including sponsorship opportunities, speakers, and hospitality events – will be announced in the coming weeks.  For the latest updates and information on the 2024 ABL Annual Meeting, be sure to visit www.ablusa.org.

December 5, 2023 — BETHESDA, MD — American Beverage Licensees (ABL), the nation’s leading trade association representing on- and off-premise beverage alcohol retailers, is raising a glass in celebration of the 90th anniversary of the repeal of Prohibition, which took place on December 5, 1933. This milestone marks nearly a century of the restoration of a fundamental American tradition: the right to responsibly enjoy beer, wine and spirits.

Ninety years ago today, the 21st Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified, bringing an end to the failed experiment of Prohibition. This landmark accomplishment not only reinvigorated the American beverage alcohol industry but also revitalized local economies and jobs, with taverns, pubs and package stores popping up to meet a thirsty nation.

In addition to reversing the past mistake of the 18^th Amendment, the 21^st Amendment proved to be forward-looking, providing states with broad authority over the regulation of beverage alcohol.  Today, hundreds of thousands of retail beverage licensees across the country successfully compete in marketplaces structured by the state and local licensing and regulation of their businesses.  Operating under carefully considered rules and constantly scrutinized state laws, local beverage retailers continue to demonstrate their commitment to promoting responsible consumption of alcohol, and safe commerce of age-restricted products.

“The 90^th anniversary of Repeal Day serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the American spirit and the importance of choice and responsible consumption,” said John Bodnovich, Executive Director of ABL. “Our members, representing a diverse array of businesses across the country, are honored to continue the tradition of providing a welcoming and responsible environment for guests to discover and enjoy products new and old, local and imported, traditional and cutting edge.”

The past nine decades have seen the growth and diversification of beverage establishments, which contribute significantly to job creation, tourism, and the overall economic vitality of their communities.  Despite this success, beverage retailers remain watchful for the re-imposition of Prohibition-like policies that would have a negative impact on jobs, tax revenue and economic activity.

“Small beverage businesses are committed to the reputational protection of beverage alcohol and will stay vigilant against any efforts to bring back the failed policies of the past,” said Bodnovich.  “Beverage licensees’ focus continues to be on educating consumers, responsible sales and service practices, and collaborative efforts with industry, lawmakers, regulators and the public to address concerns.”

ABL invites all beverage licensees and their customers nationwide to join the celebration of Repeal Day and encourages everyone to come together to commemorate the end of America’s failed noble experiment.