Three organizations merge
Three organizations – the Bourbon Institute, the Distilled Spirits Institute and the Licensed Beverage Industries, Inc. – merged to form the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS).
Know Your Limits Campaign
The Department of Transportation (DOT) co-sponsored with DISCUS the national “Know Your Limits” campaign, which included the distribution of millions of wallet cards explaining blood alcohol concentrations.
Meister Joins Presidential Commission
DISCUS President Fred Meister was one of 30 Americans appointed by President Ronald Reagan to serve on the Presidential Commission on Drunk Driving.
Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk Campaign
Distillers co-sponsored with the DOT the “Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk” campaign to combat drunk driving and to promote the use of designated drivers. The campaign included billboard, television and radio public service messages.
Healthy Mothers/Healthy Babies Campaign
Distillers, through LBIC, worked with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in the “Healthy Mothers/Healthy Babies” campaign. The campaign, endorsed by the U.S. Surgeon General, included posters and consumer information cards on drinking and pregnancy that were distributed to 8,000 health clinics nationwide.
Code Review Board Established
DISCUS established the Code Review Board to implement and administer the DISCUS “Code of Good Practice” and deliberate on all complaints from every source: private citizens, public officials and advocacy groups, as well as industry member competitors.
Understanding and Treating Alcoholism
The distillers funded a two-part television series written and produced by the American Medical Association entitled, “Understanding and Treating Alcoholism.” The program, which provided continuing medical education credits for physicians, was provided to every medical school in the nation.
DISCUS Applauds International Trade Agreement
On March 28, DISCUS praised the U.S.-European community agreement on trade in distilled spirits, which provided for recognition and protection for distinctive American and European spirits including Bourbon and Tennessee Whiskey as distinctive American products.
DISCUS Creates Model Legislation
On July 11, DISCUS crafted and promoted state-by-state model legislation, “The Drunk Driving Prevention Act,” designed to strengthen drunk driving laws in all states. To date, most states have adopted provisions outlined in the model legislation. “We commend the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States for taking the initiative to develop this five-provision act designed to deter and stop impaired drivers, and we applaud you for introducing it in all 50 states.” – Nelba Chavez, SAMHSA Administrator
DISCUS Fight For Section 5010
On October 24, DISCUS led the fight to oppose a Senate proposal to repeal Section 5010 of the tax code, the wine and flavors tax credit, stating, “Tax increases on distilled spirits in 1985 and 1991 exacted a huge price on our industry and the government in the form of lost jobs and decreased federal revenues. Repeal of Section 5010 could be devastating. The entire industry must say to Congress, in the strongest possible terms, that enough is enough.”
DISCUS Invited to White House Leadership Conference
On March 7, invited by President Clinton, DISCUS President Fred Meister participated in the White House Leadership Conference on Youth, Drug Use and Violence.
Code of Good Practice Updated
On November 7, in a move to end discrimination against distilled spirits products, DISCUS updated its “Code of Good Practice for Distilled Spirits Advertising and Marketing” to include television and radio advertising, advancing equal treatment of beverage alcohol products.
DISCUS Applauds WTO Decision
On February 14, DISCUS commended the World Trade Organization arbitrator’s ruling on Japan’s liquor tax system, which required Japan to eliminate its discriminatory tax treatment against distilled spirits within 15 months.
DISCUS Commends US-EU Tariff Elimination
On March 13, DISCUS commended the completion of the final agreement by the U.S. and EU to eliminate tariffs on most distilled spirits by the year 2000. DISCUS stated, “Securing the elimination of EU tariffs will provide a big boost to U.S. distillers seeking to expand their sales in this strong market.”
DISCUS Responds to FCC Probe
On April 1, President Clinton called for a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) probe into spirits advertising. DISCUS responded, “The president’s call for a probe into spirits advertising further demonstrates the desperate need for alcohol equivalence education among policy makers. A FCC review of spirits advertising would contradict federal alcohol policy that clearly recognizes that ‘alcohol is alcohol is alcohol.’”
FCC Votes Against Notice of Inquiry
On July 9, the FCC voted against a Notice of Inquiry into distilled spirits advertising on television and radio. The vote was heralded by DISCUS as a clear sign “the FCC did not have jurisdiction or the expertise to regulate alcohol advertising.”
Simple Pleasures Campaign
On May 1, DISCUS launched the “Simple Pleasures” public relations campaign, a national media outreach campaign which supported the revival of cocktail culture and the American Whiskey renaissance.
$1.2 Million Education Grant to Mount Vernon Announced
On December 7, DISCUS announced a $1.2 million education grant to Mount Vernon to restore George Washington’s historic distillery.
DISCUS Sponsors University Conference
On October 26, DISCUS, working together with five universities, sponsored and convened, “The American Campus and Alcohol Conference” in Washington, D.C., attended by 34 universities including 28 university presidents. The conference, spearheaded by DISCUS President and CEO Dr. Peter H. Cressy, teamed together the beverage alcohol industry, government, campuses and their communities to address alcohol abuse on our nation’s campuses.
DISCUS and The Century Council Support MADD
On April 10, DISCUS and The Century Council joined with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) in a historic agreement to support a .08 BAC limit.
Colonial Re-Enactment of George Washington’s Distillery
On May 21, barrels of whiskey and rum from 11 of the nation’s largest distillers were shipped down the Potomac River to Mount Vernon in a colonial re-enactment celebrating the groundbreaking of George Washington’s historic distillery.
Spirits Around The Globe Program
On May 21, DISCUS launched “Spirits Around the Globe,” its first-ever global distillery media tours program with the first stop to Kentucky bourbon distilleries: Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Labrot & Graham, and Wild Turkey.
George Washington Distillery Letter Acquired
On July 3, DISCUS acquired a rare Washington distillery letter from Christies Auction House for $18,800. The letter, which describes Washington’s successful distillery operation, is one of only a few pieces of correspondence know in existence that discusses the distillery.
New York Spirits Tasting Bill Passes
On September 6, DISCUS cheered the passage of the spirits tasting bill in New York stating, “This is the beginning of a stylish new era of sophisticated spirits tastings in New York.
George Washington Spirits Society Inductees Honored
On October 8, charter inductees of the George Washington Spirits Society were honored at a Mount Vernon celebration. Ambassador W.L. Lyons Brown, Jr., former Brown-Forman CEO; General Alfred M. Gray, USMC (Ret.), former commandant of the Marine Corps; A. Raymond Tye, chair, The United Group, and Charles Bailes, Jr. of ABC Fine Wine and Spirits were recognized.
Alcohol Education Toolkit Launched
In November, DISCUS and an advisory panel of nutrition and medical professionals launched a new alcohol education toolkit designed to help health care professionals discuss alcohol consumption with their patients.
New York Legislature Budget Veto Overridden
On May 15, the New York Legislature overrode Governor Pataki’s budget veto, making six-day sales of spirits and wine legal.
New York Governor Signs Seven-Day Sales Into Law
On August 20, New York Governor Pataki signed into law seven-day liquor sales.
Experts Distill Whiskey at George Washington’s Distillery
On October 21, a team of master distillers gathered at the archaeology site of George Washington’s Distillery to distill historically authentic, 18th-century whiskey for the first time in 200 years.
DISCUS Hosts Spirits of New York Event
On August 31, DISCUS partnered with The Weekly Standard, The Economist and Roll Call to host the “Spirits of New York” signature event at the Republican National Convention at the New York Yacht Club attended by hundreds.
NASCAR Accepts Spirits Sponsors
On November 10, NASCAR announced its updated policy to accept spirits sponsors.
Inaugural Economic Briefing Held at NY Yacht Club
On December 16, DISCUS held its inaugural economic briefing at the New York Yacht Club for trade and business media and Wall Street analysts.
DISCUS Hosts Media Buying Summit for Industry Leaders
On November 16, DISCUS hosted its first Best Practices Media Buying Summit bringing together industry leaders to share best practices for responsible placement under the rigorous demographic provision of the voluntary DISCUS Code of Responsible Practices for Beverage Alcohol Advertising and Marketing. Since its inaugural event, DISCUS has hosted seven Best Practices Media Summits.
DISCUS Applauds Passage of the STOP Act
On December 6, DISCUS hailed the passage of the Stop Act, federal legislation that provides for programs and activities aimed at preventing underage drinking.
Mount Vernon Distillery Hosts Grand Re-Opening
On March 30, after 10 years of research, excavation and reconstruction, Mount Vernon officially fired up the stills at George Washington’s Distillery as part of a DISCUS co-hosted grand opening ceremony – 210 years after Washington began distilling corn and rye whiskey.
September Declared National Bourbon Heritage Month
On August 2, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution, introduced by Kentucky Senator Jim Bunning, officially declaring September as “National Bourbon Heritage Month,” celebrating the uniquely American history of the spirit.
DISCUS Member Companies Support FTC Campaign
On September 10, DISCUS member companies joined together to support the FTC’s “We Don’t Serve Teens Week,” an underage drinking prevention campaign supported by thousands of donated public service announcements in national newspapers, consumer magazines, television and radio stations, billboards and professional sports stadiums.
DISCUS Code Updated to Include Internet/Digital Ads
On January 1, DISCUS became the first industry trade group to develop and adopt internet/digital buying guidelines as part of its Code of Good Practice for Distilled Spirits Advertising and Marketing.
DISCUS Selected as MyPyramid Corporate Partner
On June 10, DISCUS was selected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a Charter MyPyramid Corporate Challenge Partner at a formal media unveiling.
Craft Distiller Membership Program Launched
In February, DISCUS launched its Craft Distiller Affiliate Membership Program with Fritz Maytag, president of Anchor Steam Distilling, serving as chair of the Advisory Council.
Demographic Placement Standards Updated
On May 26, DISCUS increased the demographic placement standard in its Code of Good Practice for Distilled Spirits Advertising and Marketing to reflect 2010 Census data showing that 71.6 percent of the U.S. population is 21 years of age and older.
Federal Excise Tax Legislation Introduced
On May 26, The Distillery Innovation and Excise Tax Reform Act of 2015, legislation to reduce the spirits federal excise tax, was introduced by Rep. Todd Young (R-IN) and Rep. John Yarmuth (D-KY).
Texas Governor Expands Licensure
On June 15, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed into law a DISCUS-backed measure expanding the number of retail liquor licenses an individual may own in the Lone Star State from 5 to 250.
COVID-19 Hand Sanitizer Portal Launched
In March, DISCUS launched an online portal to assist hundreds of distillers who were producing hand sanitizer to help solve the national shortage created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kentucky Expands Direct-to-Consumer Laws
In 2020 and 2021, Kentucky passed bills expanding its direct-to-consumer shipping law to allow direct shipments to consumers in the state by distillers, brewers, vintners, and importers.
Iowa Makes Cocktails-to-Go Permanent
On June 29, Governor Kim Reynolds signed legislation making Iowa the first state in the nation to make cocktails to-go permanent. Since the beginning of the pandemic, 23 states and the District of Columbia have enacted laws to permanently allow cocktails to-go and numerous others have extended the DISCUS-initiated measure.
Tax Reduction Act Signed Into Law
On December 27, President Trump signed into law the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act of 2019, making permanent the federal excise tax reduction for distillers. Quote: “While distilleries have faced extraordinary challenges this year, this legislation making their reduced tax rates permanent will give these distillers a renewed sense of certainty and hopefulness for the future” – Chris Swonger, DISCUS President & CEO
DISCUS-Backed COVID Relief Package Signed Into Law
On March 11, President Biden signed the DISCUS-backed Covid relief package into law which included $28.6 billion for hospitality businesses.
Michigan Governor Signs Spirits RTD Bill
On May 24, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed into law a measure increasing market access to spirits-based RTDs and reducing their taxes, representing a big win on the new lobbying issue for DISCUS. Since 2019, 5 states (IA, MS, MI, NE And VT) have enacted laws providing expanded market access and/or fairer tax rates for spirits-based RTDs. “This is a great example of bipartisan legislation that will create jobs and help our small businesses grow, and shows what we can do when we work together,” Said Governor Whitmer. “Distillers are a growing industry in Michigan, and these bills make it easier for distillers to distribute their products. These bills will make canned mixed spirits more affordable and accessible, creating jobs and helping Michigan small businesses.”
North Carolina Allows Sunday Sales
On October 3, the first ever bottle of distilled spirits was sold on a Sunday in North Carolina following the passage of HB 890 which allowed distilleries to sell distilled spirits bottles on Sundays. Since 2002, 21 states have passed laws permitting Sunday sales of distilled spirits, bringing the total to 44 states.
Retaliatory Tariffs on American & Scotch Whiskey End
On June 1, DISCUS and the Scotch Whisky Association toasted to the end of the debilitating retaliatory tariffs on American Whiskey and Scotch Whisky, which had been in place since June 2018.
Alaska Approves Off-Premise Tastings
On June 17, Alaska approved off-premise tastings. Since 1999, 28 states have passed or expanded consumer spirits tastings laws.
DISCUS Annual Economic Brief Announced
On February 9, DISCUS announced at its annual economic briefing the spirits industry’s historic market share milestone – U.S. spirits revenue took lead share of the total U.S. beverage alcohol market in 2022.
Kentucky Phases Out “Barrel Tax”
On March 31, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear signed into law legislation phasing out the “barrel tax.”
New Mexico Governor Vetoes 20% Excise Tax
In April, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham vetoed a 20% alcohol excise tax increase – the latest in a long history of DISCUS tax victories. Since, 2001, 461 out of 489 of spirits tax increase threats have been defeated totaling $18.5+ billion in money saved.
Montana Governor Allows Seven Day Sales
On May 19, Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte signed legislation allowing the sale of distilled spirits from state agency liquor stores on Sundays and Mondays, making Montana the 44th state to allow seven-day sales.
