Media – Page 6 – American Beverage Licensees

3×3 Insights to Sponsor ABL Annual Meeting Breakfast

Posted on November 8, 2018November 8, 2018 by abladmin

NOVEMBER 8, 2018 – BETHESDA, MD – American Beverage Licensees (ABL) is pleased to announce 3×3 Insights as the official sponsor of the ABL Annual Meeting Breakfast, to be held on March 25, 2019 as part of the 2019 ABL Annual Meeting, taking place March 24-26, 2019 at Bally’s Las Vegas Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada

While enjoying breakfast, attendees will hear from Mike Provance, CEO of 3×3 Insights. An expert in scaling high-potential ventures and digital business strategy, Mike delivers strategic growth and operational excellence to progressive, technology-centric companies. As CEO of 3×3 Insights, he leads a team of industry and technology experts who are applying analytics to disrupt the business of beverage alcohol consumption. This role follows 25-year career building groundbreaking digital businesses in industries spanning financial services, information services, and healthcare.

“In addition to their support of the association as an ABL Associate Member, we are excited to have 3×3 Insights serve as the official sponsor of the ABL Annual Meeting Breakfast,” said John Bodnovich, ABL Executive Director. “We look forward to hearing from Mike, who will provide attendees with key insights into the role analytics and engagement play in today’s evolving retail landscape – and how to make sense of it all.”

Founded in 2017 by industry veterans and technology experts, 3×3 Insights empowers the independent beverage alcohol channel by delivering consumer analytics and engagement solutions to retailers, manufacturers and distributors. With the fastest growing network of independent liquor retailers, 3×3 Insights provides visibility into the buying patterns that build brand equity in the independent channel. Our tools and insights help all three-tiers of the industry reach every consumer with the right product at the right time and through the right experience.

REGISTER NOW! Registration is available online for $299, which includes access to all general sessions and ABL hospitality events + a COMPLIMENTARY 2-day pass to the Nightclub & Bar Show 2019 (Valued at $499). Click here to view 2018 ABL Annual Meeting schedule of events. For more information on ABL or the annual meeting, please visit www.ablusa.org.

BOOK TODAY: ABL has secured room block for the 2019 ABL Annual Meeting at Bally’s Las Vegas Hotel & Casino. Please note that room availability at the reduced ABL costs (Saturday, March 23: $120.00 + $35.00 daily resort fee + applicable taxes/fees | Sunday, March 24 – Tuesday, March 26: $85.00 + $35.00 daily resort fee + applicable taxes/fees) is on a first-come, first-served basis. Once the room block is filled, ABL is unable to guarantee rates and availability. As such, we encourage attendees you to reach out to your members and remind them to book now!

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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 more than $122 billion in economic impact and two-million well-paying jobs. ABL’s thousands of on-premise and off-premise licensee members are independent and often family-owned establishments. These business owners and their employees pay over $27.9 billion in federal taxes and $19.9 billion in state and local taxes. To learn more about ABL, visit www.ablusa.org.

Celebrate Package Liquor Store Month This November

Posted on October 31, 2018 by abladmin

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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American Beverage Licensees is the preeminent national trade association for beverage alcohol retailers. Direct retail beverage alcohol sales in the United States generate more than a 2.03 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 $27.9 billion in federal taxes and $20.0 billion in state and local taxes. To learn more about ABL, visit www.ablusa.org.

Coloradans For Safety Becomes Newest ABL State Affiliate Member

Posted on October 30, 2018October 31, 2018 by abladmin

BETHESDA, MD – OCTOBER 30, 2018 – American Beverage Licensees (ABL) is proud to announce that Coloradans For Safety (CFS) has joined as ABL’s newest state affiliate member. With its growing membership roster of off-premise Colorado retailers, CFS joins like-minded state retail alcohol associations in the effort of promoting and supporting the retail tier of the beverage alcohol industry in Washington, DC, just as ABL and its members will lend their collective strength to beverage retailers in the “Centennial State.”

“Coloradans For Safety was formed to advocate for beverage retailers in Colorado and ensure fair regulation for beverage licensees in that evolving retail environment. As they continue their efforts to ensure a fair and level playing field for licensees in their state, ABL stands ready to serve as their voice in Washington, DC on a range of national issues directly impacting beverage retailers,” said ABL Executive Director John Bodnovich. “We are thrilled to add Colorado retailers’ perspective and insight to our national association as we work on issues that affect all beverage licensees.”

“Coloradans For Safety is pleased to announce our partnership with ABL as the representative for retail liquor stores in Colorado,” said Ron Vaughn, a board member of Coloradans For Safety. “We look forward to working with ABL to preserve the Three-Tier System and supporting independent retailers across the country in the ongoing legislative battles. ABL is a loud and clear voice for small business in America.”

By joining ABL, Coloradans For Safety becomes the latest organization recognized as an ABL state affiliate, growing ABL’s member ranks to 28 associations from 28 states. Additionally, ABL now represents beverage alcohol retail associations in three of six states in the Rocky Mountain region of the United States, including Colorado, Montana and Wyoming.

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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 more than a 2.03 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 $27.9 billion in federal taxes and $20.0 billion in state and local taxes. To learn more about ABL, visit www.ablusa.org.

America’s Beer, Wine & Spirits Retailers Create 2.03 Million Jobs & $122.63 Billion in Direct Economic Impact

Posted on October 23, 2018 by abladmin

BETHESDA, MD – OCTOBER 23, 2018 – As the American economy continues to grow, a new economic impact report released today details the significant impact that America’s beer, wine and spirits retailers have on their local, state and national economies through job creation, direct economic impact and the generation of tax revenues.

The 2018 Economic Impact Study of America’s Beer, Wine & Spirits Retailers provides an in-depth look at the important role that beverage licensees play by creating more than 2.03 million jobs from direct retail alcohol sales and paying more than $47.9 billion in local, state and federal taxes. The direct economic impact of America’s beer, wine and spirits retail industry is more than $122.63 billion annually; the total economic impact of the industry is $363.33 billion annually; and the industry is responsible for 1.65 percent of the U.S. economy based on total GDP.

“Now in its fourth iteration, this independent economic impact report confirms the value licensed beverage retailers provide to their communities and adds an economic chapter to the success story of a beverage alcohol marketplace that delivers more choice to consumers than ever before,” said ABL Executive Director John Bodnovich. “As grassroots advocates for the thriving hospitality industry, independent beverage licensees frequently share the stories of their Main Street businesses and how they are part of the civic fabric of their hometowns. This report underscores their remarkable impact as employers, taxpayers and economic engines at the local, state and national levels.”

The biennial report – which updates the 2016 Economic Impact Study of America’s Beer, Wine & Spirits Retailers – was conducted by economic research firm John Dunham & Associates. All alcohol-related jobs in on-premise full-service restaurants and drinking places, as well as all alcohol-related jobs in off-premise package stores, are included as these businesses depend on the sale of alcohol for a substantial portion of their revenues and profits. In all other locations, this analysis examines on- and off- premise retail alcohol beverage sales accounting for full time and equivalent jobs related solely to the sale of alcohol.

“The beverage alcohol industry is one of the most dynamic sectors of the economy today. Licensed on- and off-premise establishments, be they taverns, restaurants, hotels, package stores, or local grocers, are an important part of nearly every community in the country,” said John Dunham, Managing Partner of John Dunham & Associates. “Not only do they provide important jobs and services, but they also generate millions of dollars in tax revenues for the federal, state and local governments.” Dunham added, “Our research shows how this growing industry creates more than 9 million full-time equivalent jobs, real jobs held by real people in a variety of fields including manufacturing, agriculture and hospitality.”

A Tool for ABL Members
ABL members have access to state-specific breakdowns of the 2018 Economic Impact Study of America’s Beer, Wine & Spirits Retailers via the ABL website (www.ablusa.org). These reports, talking points and data sets can be created and downloaded to reflect the impact of retail beverage alcohol sales at the national, state, congressional district, and state legislative district levels. This provides ABL members with a means to demonstrate the significant contributions they make to their local communities. ABL members can obtain a password to download reports by contacting their state licensed beverage association.

“ABL supports its members as they advocate for their businesses and industry in their state legislatures, and support commonsense alcohol laws and regulations,” noted Bodnovich. “This report and its findings will aid them in these efforts.”

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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 more than a 2.03 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 $27.9 billion in federal taxes and $20.0 billion in state and local taxes. To learn more about ABL, visit www.ablusa.org.

John Dunham & Associates is an economic research firm with 25 years of experience and specializing in tax and regulatory economics. In today’s complex policy environment, a wide range of government entities, business competitors, interest groups, and non-governmental organizations can impact your bottom line. Firms can better manage potential risks and respond to opportunities by developing fact-based economic materials, messaging tools and stakeholder relations. John Dunham & Associates can help you respond to threats and opportunities in the policy arena by providing strong analysis, as well as unique, credible messages and tools for use in lobbying, stakeholder engagement, communications, and litigation support. To learn more about John Dunham & Associates, visit www.guerrillaeconomics.com.

2019 ABL Annual Meeting Registration Now Open

Posted on October 11, 2018October 11, 2018 by abladmin

Retail Beverage Licensees Will Explore “The Challenge of Change” in Las Vegas on March 24-26

BETHESDA, MD – OCTOBER 11, 2018 – American Beverage Licensees (ABL) announced today that registration is now open for the 2019 ABL Annual Meeting, being held March 24-26, 2019 at Bally’s Las Vegas Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. ABL’s signature annual event brings together on- and off-premise beverage licensees to celebrate their important role within the Three-Tier beverage alcohol industry. Registration is available online for $299, which includes access to all general sessions and ABL hospitality events + a COMPLIMENTARY 2-day pass to the Nightclub & Bar Show 2019 Expo Hall & Sessions (Valued at $499).

General Sessions at the ABL Annual Meeting will provide attendees with the latest updates on the beverage alcohol industry from on- and off-premise industry experts. Presentations, interactive panel discussions and briefings will address strategies for beverage retailers to improve their businesses, product trends, and the alcohol policy environment. Additional information regarding speakers will be announced in the coming weeks.

“The meeting’s theme, The Challenge of Change, underscores that the beverage alcohol industry is changing faster than ever, which presents opportunities but also requires vigilance,” said ABL Executive Director John Bodnovich. “We’re eager to examine the issues facing beer, wine and spirits retailers as they evolve to meet their customers’ needs while still operating in a regulated and orderly beverage alcohol market.”

In addition to educational and informational sessions, the ABL Annual Meeting will include a range of hospitality events designed with networking in mind so that beverage licensees can interact with their peers from across the country and meet with executives from other tiers of the beverage alcohol industry. As part of the meeting, ABL will host the ABL Honors Gala reception and dinner, celebrating leading beverage retailers with the “Retailer of the Year” awards and recognizing the 2019 ABL Top Shelf Award honoree Craig Purser, President & CEO of the National Beer Wholesalers Association.

ABL welcomes a variety of sponsors for the Annual Meeting, which provides brands and companies with a means of maximizing their exposure and sharing their products with leading beverage retailers and state retail trade associations. Sponsorship opportunities are available at a variety of levels and can be customized to fit sponsor goals. More information is available by contacting the ABL office at 301-656-1494.

Please click here to register today! For more information, please visit www.ablusa.org.

SOCIAL MEDIA: Be sure to follow ABL on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, and remember to use the hashtags #ABLMeeting19 and #TheChallengeOfChange when posting!

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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 more than $122 billion in economic impact and two-million well-paying jobs. ABL’s thousands of on-premise and off-premise licensee members are independent and often family-owned establishments. These business owners and their employees pay over $27.9 billion in federal taxes and $19.9 billion in state and local taxes. To learn more about ABL, visit www.ablusa.org.

ABL to Recognize NBWA President & CEO Craig Purser with 2019 ABL Top Shelf Award

Posted on September 28, 2018October 1, 2018 by abladmin

Award Will Be Presented at ABL’s 17th Annual Meeting in Las Vegas

OCTOBER 1, 2018 – BETHESDA, MD – American Beverage Licensees (ABL) is proud to announce Craig Purser, President & CEO of the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA), will be recognized with the 2019 ABL Top Shelf Award at ABL’s 17th Annual Meeting on March 25, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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 community.

During his tenure at NBWA, Purser has been a consensus builder among industry partners, alcohol regulators, public health advocates and elected leaders. Under Purser’s leadership, NBWA has worked with a wide variety of stakeholders to help Congress pass meaningful legislation that emphasizes the primary responsibility of the states to regulate alcohol as afforded them by the 21st Amendment. He has also championed efforts to addresses health and safety issues related to underage drinking and worked in coalitions with numerous industry partners to promote and defend the beverage industry.

Purser has served as a trustee for the Alcohol Beverage Medical Research Foundation and the Center for Alcohol Policy. He also serves as a member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Association Committee of 100, the ASAE’s Key Industry Association Committee and the Association Executives Council of the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors. He served as the Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Bryce Harlow Foundation, an organization dedicated to advancing integrity in government. Purser has also served as a guest lecturer at the University of North Carolina, the George Washington University and the University of Oklahoma.

“During his nearly 15-year tenure at NBWA, Craig has demonstrated a tireless commitment to supporting the interests of over 3,000 independent beer distributors – working with stakeholders to find common sense solutions to a myriad of issues impacting the beverage alcohol industry,” said ABL Executive Director John Bodnovich. “In addition to his efforts on behalf of NBWA, Craig is committed to improving and advancing ethics in government advocacy, as evidenced through his volunteer work for so many important causes.”

The ABL Top Shelf Award will be presented on Monday, March 25 at the ABL Honors Gala, which is part of ABL’s 17th Annual Meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada on March 24-26, 2019. For more information about the event or to register, please visit the ABL Annual Meeting website or www.ablusa.org.

Sponsorship opportunities for the 2019 ABL Annual Meeting are currently available. For more information please contact Susan Day Duffy, Director of Operations & Trade Relations at day@ablusa.org or 301.656.1494.

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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.

3×3 Insights Joins ABL as Associate Member

Posted on July 11, 2018July 11, 2018 by abladmin

Leading Consumer Analytics Firm Provides Analysis, Forecasting & Actionable Insights to Independent Alcohol Retailers

BETHESDA, MD – July 11, 2018 – American Beverage Licensees (ABL) is pleased to announce that 3×3 Insights, a leading consumer analytics firm that provides consumer intelligence on the independent beverage alcohol market, is ABL’s newest Associate Member.

“Though often challenging to collect and apply in a diverse independent marketplace, information and data are increasingly important in the competitive world of retail beverage alcohol,” said ABL Executive Director John Bodnovich. “As ABL members continually modernize their business operations and marketing strategies, ABL is excited to welcome 3×3 Insights as an associate member and share the opportunities it provides with ABL members.”

3×3 Insights provides exclusive insights into all aspects of the beverage alcohol retail industry to enable better understanding of the preferences and processes behind purchases, product dynamics and customer engagement in the independent market. By aggregating off-premise consumer purchasing information, coupled with third-party data, 3×3 provides clients with robust analytics, forecasting, and actionable insights.

“ABL recognizes the important role technology plays in support of the beverage alcohol marketplace,” said Bodnovich. “3×3 Insights offers a useful service to ABL members as they work to grow the businesses and their bottom lines.”

“Being a company with deep roots in the independent channel, we are excited to be a member of ABL. We look forward to growing our relationship with ABL and its retail partners,” said 3×3 Insights Co-Founder & Director of Business Development Mitch Berkoff.

View PDF Version of This Release

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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, please visit www.ablusa.org.

3×3 Insights, LLC is a joint venture between several multi-generational alcohol industry veterans and Loeb Enterprises. Through its proprietary technology and a network of data partners, 3×3 combines point-of-sale information with market data to produce groundbreaking trends and insights that enables suppliers and retailers to launch new brands, compete effectively and drive customer loyalty. To learn more about 3×3 Insights, please visit www.3x3insights.com.

American Beverage Licensees Returns to Las Vegas for 2019 Annual Meeting

Posted on May 23, 2018May 23, 2018 by abladmin

BETHESDA, MD – MAY 23, 2018 – American Beverage Licensees (ABL) announced today that it is returning to Las Vegas, Nevada for the 2019 ABL Annual Meeting, taking place March 24-26, 2019. The meeting will be held at Bally’s Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, and will include a program full of informative speakers, topical issue discussions, industry networking and a series of hospitality events.

Marking the association’s 17th anniversary, the 2019 ABL Annual Meeting will bring together beer, wine and spirits retailers from across the country – as well as representatives from the three tiers of the beverage alcohol industry. The meeting program will examine the key issues of the day facing independent beverage retailers and explore what lies ahead in the ever-evolving beverage alcohol marketplace.

“We’re excited to bring the ABL meeting back to Las Vegas” said ABL Executive Director John Bodnovich. “It is a great hospitality industry backdrop for discussing and learning more about the important issues that face America’s bars, taverns and package stores.”

Additional information – including registration and room rates, speakers, schedules, and hospitality events – will be announced in the coming weeks and months. For the latest updates and information on the 2019 ABL Annual Meeting, be sure to visit the ABL website (www.ablusa.org). The latest updates can also be found by following the #ABLMeeting19 hashtag on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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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.

United Beverage Retailers of Arkansas Becomes Newest ABL State Affiliate Member

Posted on May 4, 2018May 4, 2018 by abladmin

BETHESDA, MD – MAY 4, 2018 – American Beverage Licensees (ABL) welcomes the recently-formed United Beverage Retailers of Arkansas (UBRA) as the association’s newest state affiliate member.

Bringing its growing membership roster to the national association, Arkansas’s beverage licensees now join in the efforts of promoting and supporting the retail tier of the beverage alcohol industry in Washington, DC, just as ABL and its members will lend their collective strength to beverage retailers in the “Natural State.”

“In recent years Arkansas’ beverage retail industry has seen significant changes that are contributing to an increasingly competitive market for retailers, among other challenges,” said UBRA President John Akins. “United Beverage Retailers of Arkansas was formed to bring together independent beverage retailers across the state to provide education, training and networking opportunities that enhance their ability to successfully navigate the changing landscape, and to provide its members with unified representation before legislative and regulatory bodies.”

When asked what drew UBRA to ABL, Akins noted, “through the partnership with ABL, UBRA will gain access to invaluable knowledge and resources that will allow UBRA to better serve Arkansas retailers and more effectively represent their interests.”

By joining ABL, UBRA becomes the latest organization recognized as an ABL state affiliate, growing ABL’s member ranks to 28 associations from 28 states. ABL now represents beverage alcohol retail associations in nine of 11 states in the South region of the United States, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

“UBRA was formed to advocate for beverage retailers in Arkansas and ensure fair regulation for beverage licensees. As they work to bring the voice of their members to the leaders in Little Rock, they will now have a voice to represent them in Washington, DC on a range of national issues directly impacting beverage retailers,” said ABL Executive Director John Bodnovich. “We are thrilled to add their perspective and clout to our national association as we work on issues that affect beverage licensees in all fifty states.”

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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.

May Is National Tavern Month

Posted on April 24, 2018 by abladmin

Join ABL in Recognizing Bar & Tavern Owners by Celebrating the 65th Annual Tavern Month

APRIL 25, 2018 – BETHESDA, MD – American Beverage Licensees (ABL) is proud to recognize May as National Tavern Month (Tavern Month). Since 1953, Tavern Month has served as an opportunity to support local hospitality businesses; promote the responsible service and enjoyment of beer, wine and spirits; and educate the public about the history, traditions and economic impact of the hundreds-of-thousands of on-premise beverage licensees throughout the United States.

The traditions of local bars and taverns embody the individualism and entrepreneurial courage that is the American spirit. One of the hallmarks of the bar and tavern business is face-to-face interaction with customers, to which many bar and tavern owners attribute their desire to enter into the business. While getting to know your customers’ first names has become somewhat of a novelty in today’s world, it remains an integral part of running a successful bar or tavern.

“Bars and taverns are as much a part of the nation’s fabric and history as George Washington and Paul Revere, and have played an integral role in the development and formation of this nation for nearly 250 years” said ABL Executive Director John Bodnovich. “While much has stayed the same during this period, the times are changing faster than ever; bars and taverns continue to adopt, embrace and utilize a range of new technologies and tools in an effort to increase safety and improve the overall customer experience.”

The American bar and tavern, commonly referred to as the “Friendliest Place in Town,” are the personification of community spirit and social culture – central tenets to this nation’s civic fabric. Whether a multi-generational family owned and operated tavern, a new wine bar, an upscale lounge or the corner bar, these establishments provide their customers with the same central function: serving as the place where members of the community join together for a meal and a drink, to celebrate and commiserate, to catch up on local news with friends and neighbors, or to simply catch a game on TV.

While much has stayed the same, the culture of bars and taverns has also changed. With an increasing emphasis on responsible consumption, it has become vital for bar and tavern owners to operate their establishments with a strong sense of decorum and security. In order to provide the safest and friendliest atmosphere for their patrons, these owners and operators strive to employ innovative and effective methods of age verification, crowd control, and server training.

According to the 2016 Economic Impact Study of America’s Beer, Wine & Spirits Retailers, direct retail alcohol sales for on-premise, licensed establishments account for as many as 1.41 million jobs; $35.9 billion in wages and benefits; and more than $76 billion in economic impact annually. When including all sales by on-premise, full-service restaurants and drinking places, those numbers climb to 5.66 million jobs; $136.7 billion in wages and benefits; and over $275 billion in economic impact.

This May, join ABL and its state bar and tavern association affiliates in embracing the historic and modern roles of the American bar and tavern, the hardworking individuals who strive to keep the doors of their businesses open, and the good jobs they provide to those in their communities. Celebrate Tavern Month this May by raising a glass to the American bar and tavern – #TheFriendliestPlaceInTown.

To learn more about #TavernMonth or to find ways to show your support, please visit www.ablusa.org/advocacy/tavern-month.

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About American Beverage Licensees: ABL 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.

Beverage Licensees Support Communities with Over $43 Billion in Taxes Annually

Posted on April 17, 2018April 24, 2018 by abladmin

On Tax Day, American Beverage Licensees Highlights Economic Impact of Beverage Retailers

APRIL 17, 2018 – BETHESDA, MD – As Americans face today’s “Tax Day” deadline to file their tax returns, American Beverage Licensees (ABL), the national trade association for retail beverage alcohol license holders across the United States, is highlighting the economic impact of America’s beer, wine and spirits retailers and the more than $43 billion they pay in federal, state and local taxes.

“In addition to their direct economic impact, America’s bars, taverns and package stores, through their owners and employees, pay more than $25 billion in federal taxes – along with more than $18 billion in state and local taxes that go directly to the communities they serve,” said ABL Executive Director John Bodnovich. “When including the companies and businesses that provide beverage retailers with supplies and materials, these figures increase to more than $64 billion and $43 billion, respectively,” Bodnovich continued.

These Main Street beverage businesses can be found in local communities across the country and play an important role in representing the hospitality industry and promoting responsibility. Direct retail alcohol sales generate $295 billion in direct economic activity, provide nearly 2 million jobs, and pay more than $100 billion in wages and benefits each year.

ABL looks forward to working with Congress to preserve tax relief measures for pass-through businesses and family-owned beverage businesses that are affected by the estate tax.

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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.

Statement from American Beverage Licensees on Passage of the Music Modernization Act by the House Judiciary Committee

Posted on April 12, 2018April 16, 2018 by abladmin

APRIL 12, 2018 – BETHESDA, MD – The passage of the Music Modernization Act (MMA) (H.R. 5447) by the House Judiciary Committee on April 11 sets a meaningful bipartisan precedent and is a step in the right direction when it comes to addressing flaws in the music licensing system.

However, hundreds of thousands of bar, tavern and restaurant owners are correct to point out that the MMA does not address their fundamental need for transparent and reliable information in the music licensing process.

These small business owners – many of whom are the conduits through which consumers learn about and enjoy the work of songwriters – continue to operate under threat of bankruptcy-triggering lawsuits for so much as one misplay of an unlicensed song.

The Committee’s support for the creation of a comprehensive mechanical licensing database in the Music Modernization Act should translate into support for a corresponding comprehensive performance rights licensing database as envisioned in H.R. 3350, the Transparency in Music Licensing and Ownership Act, a bipartisan bill introduced last year by Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner.

Beverage licensees stand ready to work with the Committee to build on current momentum to bring greater transparency and fairness to the music licensing process, and remedy opaque and untenable licensing situations for music venues.

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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.