Distilled Spirits Council Hosts Eighth Annual National Public Policy Conference

More than 45 distilled spirits producers from across the country are gathering in Washington, D.C., June 20-21 for the eighth annual Public Policy Conference hosted by the Distilled Spirits Council.

“This conference brings together leaders in the distilling sector to discuss policy issues that impact them at both the federal and state levels,” said Distilled Spirits Council President & CEO Kraig R. Naasz. “We are bringing a united message to lawmakers that distillers of all sizes play an important role in the nation’s hospitality sector.”

Conference keynote speakers include Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and Senator Roy Blunt (R-Mo.). Sen. Blunt reintroduced the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Relief Act earlier this year and is leading the effort to create a stable environment for alcohol producers to succeed and prosper. In addition, chief National Correspondent for the Fox News Channel Ed Henry will also address the group.

Distillers will participate in more than 100 Congressional visits with their home state legislators to urge lowering the punitively high federal excise tax rate on spirits such as vodka, rum and whiskey. As part of that effort, distillers will ask lawmakers to support the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Relief Act, which would lower the federal excise tax for beer, wine and spirits producers of all sizes for the first time since the Civil War. They will also invite lawmakers to visit their distilleries in their home state and district to see firsthand the importance of distilleries to the local hospitality sector.