Effort focuses on removing the Prohibition-era ban on seven-day sales of distilled spirits in Texas
The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) announced today that the No. 26 Toyota Supra in the NASCAR Xfinity Series inaugural Pit Boss 250 at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) will proudly carry the message that Texans should “Boot the Ban,” in coordination with Sam Hunt Racing (SHR). The race will take place on Saturday, May 22. Image of the car can be found here.
The “Boot the Ban” campaign aims to remove the antiquated ban on distilled spirits sales on Sundays in Texas. The campaign urges Texas consumers to contact lawmakers to support legislation permitting seven-day sales of distilled spirits. Removing the Prohibition-era ban on spirits sales promotes a free market in Texas; increases consumer convenience; and allows local businesses to make their own decisions about when to open or close their stores.
“Texas is a free-market state, but antiquated ‘blue laws’ on distilled spirits sales that forbid consumers and businesses from making their own choices threaten that freedom,” said Chris Swonger, president and CEO of DISCUS. “Beer and wine are already sold seven days a week, and Texans like myself overwhelmingly support allowing spirits to be sold seven days a week as well. It’s time we boot the ban in Texas, support consumer choice and business freedom, and allow seven-day sales of spirits.”
“We are excited to be working with the Distilled Spirits Council to showcase their ‘Boot the Ban’ campaign at COTA,” said Sam Hunt, the 27-year-old owner of Sam Hunt Racing. “As a business owner and competitor, I understand the importance of a level playing field. We’re grateful for their support, and I hope we can help them achieve their goals.”
As part of the partnership, SHR and DISCUS will also be joining forces on a public service announcement to raise awareness of impaired driving and encourage responsible drinking decisions.
To get involved in the “Boot the Ban” campaign, fans and viewers can text “Boot the Ban” to 52886 or visit the website here. There, they can easily ask their legislator to end the antiquated prohibition on retail liquor sales on Sundays and provide more choices for consumers and more opportunities for local businesses. Additionally, DISCUS encourages the use of the hashtag #BootTheBan on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
The Pit Boss 250 at Circuit of the Americas will be televised on FOX Sports 1 at 4:00PM ET on Saturday, May 22. Follow along with Sam Hunt Racing on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram throughout the event.
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Learn more about the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States and their Boot the Ban Campaign: Visit the DISCUS website for more information about who they are www.distilledspirits.org.
Get involved with the Boot the Ban campaign: Visit the Boot The Ban website to get involved and tell legislators in Austin to remove the Prohibition-era ban on retail liquor sales in Texas: www.boottheban.org.
Get Social with Sam Hunt Racing: Follow Sam Hunt Racing on Twitter and Instagram for more behind-the-scenes of the operation. Sam Hunt Racing can also be found on Facebook.