Media

ABL Honors 21 Retailers at 2015 Annual Conference

Brown-Forman Retailers of the Year recognized for commitment to the beverage industry

Bethesda, MD – June 26, 2015 – American Beverage Licensees was pleased to recognize twenty-one beverage retailers for their success and dedication to the beverage alcohol industry at the 2015 ABL Annual Conference earlier this month. The 2015 Brown-Forman Retailer of the Year awards recognizes independent beverage business owners who engage in responsible sales and service of beverage alcohol and who are committed to their state associations. ABL congratulates all of the honored businesses and their proprietors for their outstanding contributions to the industry and their communities.

This year marks the 13th consecutive year that Brown-Forman, one of the world’s leading distilled spirits producers, has sponsored the awards and made the recognition a truly special event.

“Our continued partnership with Brown-Forman has given us a great opportunity to recognize licensees in the industry that embody the spirit of responsibility and commitment to their profession,” said ABL Executive Director John Bodnovich. “Independent beverage licensees, both on- and off-premise, foster a vibrant beverage marketplace for consumers while also upholding their resposibilities as licensed retailers.”

The 2015 Brown-Forman Retailers of the Year include:

JD’s Market & SpiritsTuscaloosa, AL The Party SourceBellevue, KY Sunny’s LiquorsPassaic, NJ
Alaskan Brewing CompanyJuneau, AK House of LiquorsWestminster, MD Lehigh Wines & LiquorsBronx, NY
Total BeverageThornton, CO Town Center MarketRiverdale, MD Gates Circle Wines & LiquorBuffalo, NY
ABC Fine Wine & SpiritsOrlando, FL Huntington Wine & SpiritsBoston, MA Bouharoun’s Fine Wine & SpiritsGreenville, SC
Legacy Beverage CenterLoganville, GA Freddie’s Fine SpiritsMeridian, MS Tony K’s Home of Fine SpiritsHouston, TX
The Dutchman’s TavernBreese, IL Joe BlogzLakeside, MT Bourbon Street Food & SpiritsGreen Bay, WI
Northside LiquorsSeymour, IN Northshore EntertainmentLas Vegas, NV Town & Country SupermarketCheyenne, WY

A PDF of this press release can be found here:

American Beverage Licensees annual conference offers fresh perspectives, important recognition for retailers

Beverage retailers’ meeting brings together beverage industry in Washington, D.C.

Bethesda, MD – June 24, 2014 – American Beverage Licensee members and industry colleagues gathered in the nation’s capital June 7-9 to exchange ideas, discuss challenges and identify solutions at the 13th ABL Annual Conference. Licensees also met with members of Congress and industry leaders to share their stories and celebrate the positive role they play in their communities.

“As the leader of America’s beer, wine and spirits retailers, ABL once again brought together the licensees in Washington to learn more about the beverage alcohol industry and to advocate on the issues that impact retail alcohol businesses,” said John Bodnovich, ABL’s executive director. “This year’s conference provided a perspective on the federal landscape and an exchange of information among attendees from states across the country.”

The conference began on June 7 with a grassroots policy briefing by ABL Executive Director John Bodnovich, who encouraged beverage licensees to engage their elected officials at all levels. His briefing covered current legislative issues of interest and how licensees can engage in grassroots advocacy. The opening night beer reception, sponsored by the National Association of Beverage Importers, capped-off the day, and featured a wide selection of imported beer as well as an opportunity for attendees to learn more about the growing import beer category.

The Conference resumed on June 8 with a breakfast sponsored by Serralles USA, prior to the day’s general session of speakers and educational presentations. The program began in earnest with Sean Spicer, Communications Director of the Republican National Committee, and Mo Elleithee, former Communications Director of the Democratic National Committee trading their wisdom on the political landscape and the upcoming 2016 election.

Monday’s session continued with a lively discussion about the state of the beer industry from brewer, distributor and retailer perspectives. Eric Best, NBWA Chairman and General Manager of Bob Hall LLC, Bruce Jacobson, Chief Sales Officer of Constellation Brands, Beer Division, and Bill Madden, CEO & Executive Brewer of Mad Fox Brewing Company shared their perspectives and forecasts for the beer market moving forward. Dave Matthews, General Counsel of the National Restaurant Association, followed them with a discussion about the upcoming EMV payment card changes, and other payment card issues affecting merchants and consumers.

Before breaking for the annual MillerCoors Luncheon, ABL recognized the 2015 Brown-Forman Retailers of the Year. These leading licensees, nominated by their state affiliates, were honored for their hard work and dedication to their businesses, communities and associations.

Kicking off the afternoon session was Stephanie Hopper, COO of Ballpark Holistic Dispensary, a recreational marijuana retail store owner in Denver, Colorado. Ms. Hopper provided a broad overview of her business, the current climate in Colorado and took audience questions about the intricacies of selling marijuana and how current policies are shaping the future of the marijuana industry.

Darnell Holloway presented Conference members with a look at how to manage their Yelp reputation online, and shared relevant examples and best practices for ensuring positive customer interactions. Immediately following the Yelp session, Pete Madland, Executive Director of the Tavern League of Wisconsin, Tim Martin, General Counsel of Alcohoot, and Bob Williamsen, Chief Revenue Officer of Intellicheck/Mobilisa shared their organizations’ unique approaches to responsibility and the important role the beverage alcohol industry plays when it comes to preventing underage access to alcohol and misuse of industry products.

The annual conference concluded on Monday night with a craft spirits tasting and banquet sponsored by the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States. The ABL Top Shelf Award, ABL’s highest honor, was presented to Dr. Peter Cressy, President and CEO of DISCUS, for his industry contributions during his 16-year tenure at DISCUS. DISCUS Vice Chairman and Moёt Hennessy USA CEO Jim Clerkin reflected on how Dr. Cressy has helped shape the spirits industry, and emphasized the importance of ABL and retailers to distillers.

Also recognized at the banquet were newly-elected ABL officers: President, Warren Scheidt of Cork Liquors in Columbus, Indiana; Vice President J.J. Moran of Four Winds Liquor & Lounge in Cheyenne, Wyoming; Vice President Bob Sprenger of Bubba’s in Marion, Wisconsin; and At-Large representative Paul Santelle of Garden State Discount Liquors in Perth Amboy, New Jersey.

On June 9, ABL members returned to Capitol Hill where they met with members of Congress and their staff to discuss issues affecting beverage licensees including alcohol-related traffic safety policies, music licensing and marketplace fairness reform.

A PDF of this press release can be found here

America’s Beverage Retailers Toast Creation of the Congressional Hospitality Caucus

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.”

*****

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

American Beverage Licensees And Intellicheck Mobilisa Partner To Bring Retailers Tools To Reduce Underage Access To Alcohol

Age ID Will Aid Beverage Retailers in Preventing Underage Sales of Alcohol

 

PORT TOWNSEND, WASHINGTON – June 3, 2015 – Intellicheck Mobilisa, Inc. (NYSE MKT:IDN), a leader in real-time identity authentication and validation solutions and American Beverage Licensees (ABL), the nation’s leading trade association for beer, wine and spirits retailers, announced today that they have entered into an exclusive partnership to address the ongoing issue of underage access to alcohol. The partnership builds on ABL’s many efforts to support responsible age-restricted beverage retailing by bringing Intellicheck’s Age ID® product to its members. The partnership will help retailers remain compliant with states’ legal purchase age laws and bolster their ongoing practices of refusing sales to would-be underage buyers.

Working together, Intellicheck Mobilisa and ABL will heighten the visibility and usage of Age ID® in the fight against underage access to alcohol while providing real-time authentication of credentials such as driver licenses and the ability to verify a consumer’s age. In addition, the new partnership will promote opportunities for dialogue and for educating members about groundbreaking technology to support their responsible retailing efforts.

Intellicheck Mobilisa’s industry leading Age ID® identity authentication and validation solution reads the barcode data encoded on driver licenses and government issued IDs, instantly verifying the authenticity of the ID and age information via a mobile device or with an integrated point of sale tool. Age ID® draws on a comprehensive database, updated on an ongoing basis to ensure information is timely and accurate. The ability to use affordable, industry leading technology to spot fake or altered information and to positively verify a consumer’s age provides businesses with an effective solution for keeping alcohol out of underage hands.

“Beverage retailers are the last to handle beer, wine and spirits before they reach the consumer, and they take that responsibility very seriously,” said John Bodnovich, executive director of ABL. “We are always searching for new and innovative ways to make sure that alcohol beverages are enjoyed appropriately, and we believe that teaming up with Intellicheck Mobilisa opens an important new avenue for beverage licensees to address underage alcohol issues.”

ABL will formally announce the partnership at the 2015 Annual Conference, which begins June 7 at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C. Intellicheck Mobilisa’s Chief Revenue Officer, Bob Williamsen, will be participating in a panel discussion entitled, “Innovators in Responsibility” on June 8.

Intellicheck Mobilisa CEO Dr. William Roof said, “We are very pleased to join ABL as a key component to solving the problem of underage drinking. I am confident Age ID® will become an important tool for ABL members because it helps improve customer service and ensures compliance with state regulatory laws by instantly authenticating a customer’s identity and age. We also believe the industry insuring these venues serving and selling age-restricted beverages will benefit from lower insurance claims through the use of Age ID®. We welcome the opportunity to share awareness of Age ID® as an inexpensive, easy-to-use, effective deterrent to address the problem of underage drinking that can be deployed anywhere age-restricted beverages are served and sold.”

Intellicheck Mobilisa holds 20 patents pertaining to identification technology. Its real-time identity authentication and validation solutions support customers in the retail, hospitality, national defense, law enforcement, and financial markets. The Company’s products scan, authenticate and analyze components of identity documents including driver licenses, military identification cards and other government forms of identification containing magnetic stripe, barcode and smart chip information. Once extracted from the identity card, the information can be used to provide safety, security and efficiencies throughout these markets.

###

Contact: Sharon Schultz Office: (302) 539-3747 /Email: sharon.schultz@icmobile.com

About American Beverage Licensees

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.

About Intellicheck Mobilisa

Intellicheck Mobilisa is a leader in real-time identity authentication and validation solutions. The Company holds 20 patents pertaining to identification technology. Its identity solutions support customers in the financial, retail, law enforcement, national defense and hospitality markets. The Company’s products scan, authenticate and analyze components of identity documents including driver licenses, military identification cards and other government forms of identification containing magnetic stripe, barcode and smart chip information. For more information on Intellicheck Mobilisa and ICMOBIL, please visit www.icmobile.com.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements

Statements in this news release about Intellicheck Mobilisa’s future expectations, including: the advantages of our products, future demand for Intellicheck Mobilisa’s existing and future products, whether revenue and other financial metrics will improve in future periods, whether Intellicheck Mobilisa will be able to execute its turn-around plan or whether successful execution of the plan will result in increased revenues, whether sales of our products will continue at historic levels or increase, whether brand value and market awareness will grow, whether the Company can leverage existing partnerships or enter into new ones, and all other statements in this release, other than historical facts, are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (“PSLRA”). This statement is included for the express purpose of availing Intellicheck Mobilisa, Inc. of the protections of the safe harbor provisions of the PSLRA. It is important to note that actual results and ultimate corporate actions could differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements based on such factors as market acceptance of Intellicheck Mobilisa’s products, changing levels of demand for Intellicheck Mobilisa’s current and future products, Intellicheck Mobilisa’s ability to reduce or maintain expenses while increasing sales, customer results achieved using our products in both the short and long term, success of future research and development activities, Intellicheck Mobilisa’s ability to successfully manufacture, market and sell its products, Intellicheck Mobilisa’s ability to manufacture its products in sufficient quantities to meet demand within required delivery time periods while meeting its quality control standards, any delays or difficulties in the Company’s supply chain, the success of the Company’s sales and marketing efforts coupled with the typically long sales and implementation cycle for its products, Intellicheck Mobilisa’s ability to enforce its intellectual property rights, changes in laws and regulations applicable to the Company’s products, the Company’s continued ability to access government-provided data, the risks inherent in doing business with the government including audits and contract cancellations, liability resulting from any security breaches or product failure, and other risks detailed from time to time in Intellicheck Mobilisa’s reports filed with the SEC. We do not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking information.

A PDF version of this press release can be found here: IDN_ABL IDN Partnership Announcement

American Beverage Licensees and Fintech Announce Strategic Partnership

American Beverage Licensees and Fintech Announce Strategic Partnership

Partnership provides a secure, affordable way for ABL members to pay for alcohol deliveries electronically

May 27, 2015 – Bethesda, MD – American Beverage Licensees (ABL) and Fintech announced today that they are launching a strategic partnership to provide a secure, affordable and hassle-free way for ABL members to pay for alcohol deliveries electronically and improve the beverage alcohol purchasing process. Under the program, ABL members will be eligible for a discount on Fintech’s electronic payment and data solutions systems.

“By working with Fintech and making it cost-effective for ABL members, we are leveling the playing field for independent licensees to afford an electronic payment solution that will provide custom data and analytics on their alcohol spend, as well as integrate directly with their back office and accounting systems,” said ABL Executive Director John Bodnovich. “With Fintech, bar and package store owners can be confident of a seamless payment process and will now have the tools to measure and assess their purchasing strategy to strengthen their bottom line.”

As the leading provider of electronic data and payments solutions to the beverage alcohol industry, Fintech has worked closely with ABL to develop solutions that are customizable and will fit the business operations of each and every ABL member. Fintech currently provides service to more than 325,000 retailer-distributor relationships nationwide and is the only electronic funds transfer (EFT) provider compliant and approved in all fifty states.

In addition to providing beverage alcohol retailers with a secure, hassle-free way to pay for alcohol deliveries electronically, Fintech uses its more than two decades of experience in the beverage alcohol industry to ensure that payments are made according to every invoice due date and in compliance with all state regulations nationwide. This reduces the need for licensees to worry about approaching due dates or late payments.

“After spending the past 24 years specializing exclusively in the payment and data of alcohol invoices, we’re extremely pleased to be partnering with such a distinguished and respected industry association. This is a fantastic opportunity to provide substantial value added benefits to both sides of our client and member bases.” said Scott Riley, Fintech CEO.

Beyond the payment process, Fintech will allow ABL members to track purchasing data so that they know exactly what they’re paying for. Fintech’s automated notifications provide a detailed view of every alcohol invoice and credit, and their advanced reporting can provide ABL members with the necessary tools to identify top selling products and potential savings.

“Licensees know that they are operating in a world increasingly driven by data,” said Bodnovich. “ABL’s partnership with Fintech will allow members utilizing the software to analyze in-depth reports, numerous alcohol invoices, purchasing habits, as well as financial spend and ways to save.”

For more information, visit: http://go.fintech.net/ABL

A .pdf of this press release can be found here: ABL and Fintech Announce Partnership

*****

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.

Fintech a U.S. Chamber of Commerce Best Business of the Year winner located in Tampa, Florida, provides electronic data and payments to the alcohol industry, eliminating the need to pay alcohol purchases by cash, check, or money order and simplifying data into actionable reporting that helps businesses make smarter purchases. Fintech is the only EFT provider that is compliant and available for use in all 50 states and now works with more than 2,300 distributors to serve over 325,000 relationships nationwide.

Colorado Cannabis Retailer to Speak at 2015 ABL Annual Conference

Colorado Cannabis Retailer to Speak  at 2015 ABL Annual Conference

Denver dispensary operator to share marijuana licensee perspective

Bethesda, MD – May 26, 2015 – American Beverage Licensees (ABL) announced today that Stephanie Hopper, Chief Operating Officer at Ballpark Holistic Dispensary in Denver, Colorado will speak at the 2015 ABL Annual Conference on June 8. Ms. Hopper will discuss the recreational cannabis business from a retail perspective and how her store navigates the regulated sales environment in Colorado. Though alcohol and cannabis have not been comingled at the production, distribution and retail levels, there have been many public comparisons of the two products. With more states considering regulating marijuana like alcohol, beverage retailers have grown increasingly interested in learning about what the recreational cannabis marketplace looks like now, and what shape it may take in the future.

As a leading cannabis purveyor who runs a state-licensed retail business, Ms. Hopper will discuss the challenges and opportunities of pioneering the state’s nascent recreational cannabis marketplace that started from scratch just a few years ago. She will also share her experience as the Chairman of the Legislative Council for the Colorado Cannabis Chamber of Commerce. “The recreational cannabis business is rapidly evolving and has drawn a great deal of attention from across the country,” said John Bodnovich, Executive Director of ABL. “We’re excited to have Stephanie join our conference line-up and provide our members with a first-hand retail account of one of the nation’s most scrutinized industries.”

For more information, visit ABL’s conference website or click here to register.

Stephanie Hopper, Chief Operating Officer at Ballpark Holistic Dispensary

Stephanie Hopper has 15 years of experience in the consulting and compliance fields. Stephanie worked for industry leaders BDO Seidman, KPMG, and Verizon prior to entering the Cannabis Industry. Stephanie has focused her career on helping companies implement solutions that improve efficiencies and controls around their businesses to meet and maintain compliance with industry regulations.

As the Chief Operating Officer at Ballpark Holistic Dispensary, Stephanie manages the operations for the medical and recreational cultivation facilities and the dispensary. Stephanie serves as the Chairman of the Legislative Council for the Colorado Cannabis Chamber of Commerce (C4). C4 actively works with lawmakers and regulators to help educate and make rules and regulations that support the growth of the Cannabis Industry.

A .pdf of this press release can be found here: Colorado Cannabis Retailer to Speak at 2015 ABL Annual Conference


SOCIAL MEDIA:

Conference hashtag: #ABL2015.

Please follow ABL on Twitter at @ablusa and on facebook at www.facebook.com/ablusa.

*****

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.

5 reasons to register for the 2015 ABL Annual Conference.

Need a reason to register for the 2015 ABL Annual Conference in June? Here are 5 great ones!

  1. Stock - Credit CardsPayment card liability is shifting in October.  Is your business prepared?

Whether its swipe fees, new security standards, preventing data breaches, liability shifts or various legal cases, there’s plenty to talk about when it comes to payments cards. Join David Matthews, General Counsel at the National Restaurant Association for an insightful session on what the new EMV shifts mean for small businesses.

  1. Have you ever received a negative review on Yelp? Chances are you have. How do you address that?

Word-of-mouth is moving online, and user generated content websites like Yelp.com are becoming increasingly powerful as consumer guides. Darnell Holloway, Senior Manager of Community Outreach, will address the power of Yelp and how use your business tools to manage your online reputation.

  1. The beer business is as exciting as it’s ever been.  Record numbers of breweries and interest in a multitude of brands and styles – big and small – is all over the news and social media.

While federal and state policies are being debated, the underlying beer business is full of interesting issues including commercial trends, marketing campaigns, packaging and general approaches to meeting the needs of consumers. Simply put: there’s a lot to talk about. Learn about the latest trends in marketing, products, and the beer industry’s future. This great panel will give you plenty to think about.

  1. What’s next in marijuana legalization?

Free Stock MJAs of 2014, four states and the District of Columbia have passed ballot referendums legalizing recreational marijuana.  2016 could see as many as 15 states with ballot iniatives. Legal cannabis remains a hot topic in the media, at cocktail parties and in state houses across the country. Join ABL as we discuss the future of legalized marijuana.

  1. Network with fellow retailers & industry

Celebrate with your fellow retailers and industry partners at the Annual Top Shelf Awards ceremony, Monday night, honoring Dr. Peter Cressy, President & CEO of DISCUS. Other networking opportunities including coffee breaks and an opening reception, will provide ample time to meet new friends and say hello to old ones.

Beer, Wine & Spirits Retailers Celebrate Tavern Month This May

Raise a glass and toast America’s bars and the people who make them great

May is Tavern Month LogoBETHESDA, MDApril 30, 2015 – This May, America’s Beer, Wine and Spirits Retailers are encouraging their colleagues and customers to raise a glass in celebration of Tavern Month. Established in 1953, Tavern Month is supported by American Beverage Licensees (ABL) and celebrated each May in communities coast-to-coast. Tavern Month is an opportunity to highlight American bars and taverns that create millions of jobs in cities and towns throughout the country.

“Whether you’re watching the big game, meeting a colleague after work, or dropping in to say hello to your favorite bartender, Tavern Month is a chance to celebrate the culture of the American tavern,” said John Bodnovich, Executive Director of ABL. “In addition to their people and personalities, America’s bars and taverns are also a key component of the economic engine that is the hospitality industry.”

Direct retail alcohol sales in on-premise, licensed establishments account for as many as 1.23 million jobs; $31.7 billion in wages and benefits; and more than $76 billion in economic output according to the 2014 Economic Impact Study of America’s Beer, Wine and Spirits Retailers. When including all sales by on-premise, full-service restaurants and drinking places, those numbers climb to 3.94 million jobs; $96.8 billion in wages and benefits; and over $241 billion in economic impact.

From the Colonial Era through Prohibition and into the 21st century, American bars and taverns have been central gathering places for community residents and welcoming sanctuaries for weary travelers. Bars and taverns know no class hierarchy, providing a common forum for those from all professions and walks of life to discuss ideas and offer their assessment of the American landscape.Tavern Month

Today’s bars, taverns and nightclubs are as diverse as their communities, and as some of first businesses on America’s Main Streets, are often a part of civic history and tradition. Bars and taverns are also a key link between consumers and a thriving and innovative beverage alcohol marketplace. Thanks to the Three-Tier System, bars and taverns work with distributors to serve thousands of products from brewers, distillers and vintners – large and small, domestic and international. Bars and taverns are the proving grounds for new products; reliable providers of trusted brands; and home to cicerones, mixologists and sommeliers who can help customers enjoy a local craft beer, the latest imported vodka, fine wine from California or a multitude of other products.

As beverage licensees, bar and tavern owners are keenly aware of the responsibility they have to their customers, staff and neighbors. By standing opposed to drunk driving, actively working the stop underage access to alcohol and training their staff in the science and art of responsible service, these businesspeople are holding up their end of the bargain when it comes to selling beverage alcohol responsibly and preventing its misuse.

During Tavern Month this May, join American Beverage Licensees, the largest national trade association dedicated to supporting and promoting the beverage alcohol retail community, its local bar & tavern members and the millions of customers they serve, in raising a glass to celebrate the American tavern – the friendliest place in town!

Included in our media kit is a poster, an FAQ sheet, and the Tavern Month logo for use.

Beverage Alcohol Retailers Applaud Passage of Death Tax Repeal Act

Bipartisan bill passes House 240-179; ABL urges action on Senate Legislation

April 16, 2015 – Bethesda, MD – America’s beer, wine and spirits retailers applauded the passage today of the Death Tax Repeal Act of 2015 (H.R. 1105) by the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill, which was introduced by Representative Kevin Brady (R-TX) in March, will fully repeal the federal Estate Tax, also known as the Death Tax. The legislation passed by a margin of 240 – 179, with 7 Democratic members voting in favor, three Republicans voting against, and 12 members not voting. This marks the first time in ten years that the full House has voted on repealing the Estate Tax.

“Full repeal of the Estate Tax has been a longstanding objective for ABL and its members, and today’s vote moves us a step closer to that goal,” said ABL Executive Director John Bodnovich. “We thank the House for its strong support of this bill, and urge the Senate to pass legislation to protect American family-owned businesses.”

A Senate companion bill to the Death Tax Repeal Act, S. 860, was introduced on March 25 by Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) and currently has 30 co-sponsors. It awaits action in the Senate Finance Committee.

Many of America’s bars, taverns and package stores are multi-generational businesses with strong ties to their communities. The Estate Tax puts these small businesses in jeopardy every year as their value is connected to illiquid assets such as land, buildings and equipment. Heirs are often forced to sell these assets to pay the tax, effectively dismantling local small-businesses across the nation. That’s why beer, wine and spirits retailers believe that the best solution to protect these businesses is the full repeal of the Estate Tax.

“A big thank you goes to all the ABL members who took the time to contact members of Congress and share their experiences with the Estate Tax,” said Bodnovich. “Today’s vote was a victory for small, independent businesses, and a testament to the power of beverage alcohol retailers’ grassroots advocacy.”

ABL encourages its members to thank the Representatives who stood up for family-owned beverage businesses. See how your Representative voted here. An “AYE” vote supported American Beverage Licensees’ position.

A pdf of this press release can be found here.

RNC and DNC Spokesmen to Provide Political Update at ABL Annual Conference

DNC’s Mo Elleithee, RNC’s Sean Spicer to Discuss Political Affairs and 2016 Elections

Bethesda, MD – April 16, 2015 – American Beverage Licensees (ABL) is excited to announce that Mo Elleithee, Communications Director for the DNC, and Sean Spicer, Chief Strategist & Communications Director for the RNC, will address the ABL Annual Conference on June 8 as keynote speakers.

ABL Conference attendees will have front-row seats to an insightful conversation with the chief spokesmen for Democrats and Republicans. With growing buzz about the 2016 U.S. presidential election, and dozens of pivotal races on tap in the House and Senate, Mo Elleithee and Sean Spicer will share their perspectives and viewpoints on the current and future state of political affairs in Washington and across the country. The discussion will include insights on how the major political issues of the day are shaping the 2016 Election and what it could mean for the White House and Congress.

“As ABL members head to our nation’s capital this June, we’re thrilled that Mr. Elleithee and Mr. Spicer will share some insights into the national political scene and what to expect in 2016,” said John Bodnovich, Executive Director of ABL. “Mr. Spicer and Mr. Elleithee have political experience and expertise at the highest levels, and will engage attendees in a thoughtful discussion about the future of politics in Washington.”

For more information, visit ABL’s conference website or click here to register.

Spicer-Headshot_webMr. Sean M. Spicer, Chief Strategist & Communications Director for the RNC
Sean M. Spicer has served as RNC Communications Director since 2011, and in February of 2015 added the duties of Chief Strategist. In his additional role, he leads the negotiations and implementation of the new presidential primary debate structure. He coordinates with broadcast networks and conservative media partners and serves as a liaison to the Republican candidates and their campaigns. In addition, he works with the Counsel’s Office and the Chief of Staff on assisting state parties with delegate selection and planning for state conventions, primaries and caucuses. He also serves as a liaison to the Republican National Convention staff on messaging opportunities and media strategy.

Mo's-headshot_webMr. Mo Elleithee, Communications Director of the DNC
A 17-year veteran of Democratic politics, Mo Elleithee was named Communications Director of the DNC in August, 2013. Throughout his career, he’s worked on four different presidential campaigns, including as senior spokesman and traveling press secretary for Hillary Clinton’s 2008 bid; in senior communications roles for candidates across the country including Tim Kaine (VA), Mark Warner (VA), and Tom Udall (NM); and has advised various Democratic party committees including the DSCC, DCCC and the Democratic Party of Virginia. For the past four years, he’s been on the faculty of the Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy teaching a class in campaign management and strategy. He is a founding partner (and on leave of absence) from two of Washington’s top political consulting firms — Hilltop Public Solutions and Three Point Media.

SOCIAL MEDIA:
Conference hashtag: #ABL2015.
Please follow ABL on Twitter at @ablusa and on facebook at www.facebook.com/ablusa.

ABL to Honor DISCUS President & CEO Dr. Peter Cressy with 2015 Top Shelf Award

Award will be presented at the 13th Annual ABL Conference in Washington, D.C.

April 9, 2015 – Bethesda, MD – American Beverage Licensees (ABL) is proud to announce that Dr. Peter Cressy, President & CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS), is the 2015 ABL Top Shelf Award honoree and will be recognized at the 13th Annual ABL Conference on June 8, 2015.

DISCUS President & CEO
Dr. Peter Cressy

The ABL Top Shelf Award, the highest honor presented by America’s beer, wine and spirits retailers, recognizes those who have demonstrated professional excellence in the beverage alcohol industry and have had a positive influence in their communities.

During his nearly 16-year tenure at the helm of DISCUS, the national trade association representing the leading producers and marketers of distilled spirits in the United States, Dr. Cressy has worked relentlessly to engage liquor industry partners to promote the responsible use of distilled spirits products, oppose efforts to harm the hospitality industry and foster a renewed passion for America’s cocktail culture.

“Peter’s accomplishments on behalf of his members and our industry have been vast and transformational,” said John Bodnovich, ABL’s Executive Director. “More importantly, his tireless commitment to the distilled spirits industry has invigorated our country’s unique and vibrant beverage alcohol marketplace.”

The DISCUS team under Dr. Cressy’s leadership at DISCUS has helped the spirits industry increase its market share 25 percent; defeat more than 350 state and local tax bills; enhance its tough advertising guidelines while simultaneously growing the scope of industry advertising platforms; fought for fair trade agreements in the global marketplace; and emphasized science and evidence-based methods for developing policies to address the misuse and abuse of beverage alcohol.

Dr. Cressy was also instrumental in the historical undertaking of reconstructing George Washington’s Distillery at Historic Mount Vernon. The annual industry Spirit of Mount Vernon gala has raised nearly $3.5 million to advance the educational mission of Mount Vernon.

A retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral, Dr. Cressy came to DISCUS in 1999 after serving as Chancellor of the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. He will be honored at the ABL Top Shelf Award Banquet at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C., on June 8. If you are interested in celebrating Dr. Cressy’s achievements, please visit www.ablusa.org/abl-events/2015ABL.

A .pdf of this press release can be found here.