News Archive
North Carolina Governor Signs Bill Allowing Spirits Tastings in ABC Stores
Governor Roy Cooper signed into law today new legislation allowing North Carolina consumers the opportunity to sample distilled spirits products at tasting events held in state ABC stores. “Today’s spirits consumers are fascinated by cocktail culture and want to learn more about the heritage and taste profile of different types of distilled spirits,” said David […]
Read MoreDistilled Spirits Council Awarded Additional $400,000 in USDA Funding to Mitigate Impact of Retaliatory Tariffs
Two New Positions Created to Run Council’s Export Promotion Activities WASHINGTON, DC – The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) today announced that it applied for and was awarded an additional $400,000 through USDA’s Agricultural Trade Program (ATP) , which was set up specifically to assist those agricultural groups that are being adversely impacted by retaliatory tariffs. This […]
Read MoreDistillers Head to Capitol Hill to Urge Support for Spirits Tax Cut Bill
WASHINGTON, DC – More than 150 distillers from around the country are gathering in Washington, D.C. July 22-24 for the distilled spirits industry’s 10th annual Public Policy Conference, co-hosted by the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States and the American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA). The conference will feature a series of legislative and regulatory […]
Read MoreDISCUS Unveils Interactive Summary of State Laws and Regulations Relating to Distilled Spirits
The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) today unveiled its new interactive Summary of State Laws and Regulations Relating to Distilled Spirits tool, a database for current laws, regulations and rulings relating to the sale and distribution of distilled spirits in the United States. This announcement marks the modernization of DISCUS’ longstanding “Summary […]
Read MoreMHW, Ltd. Joins Distilled Spirits Council of the United States
WASHINGTON, DC – The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS), America’s leading advocate for the distilled spirits industry, today announced that MHW, Ltd. joined the trade association on July 1, 2019 as a Director Member. “We are extremely pleased to welcome MHW as the newest DISCUS Director Member,” said Chris Swonger, President and […]
Read MoreDistilled Spirits Council of the United States Statement in Response to USTR’s Proposed Retaliation List, Which Includes Scotch Whisky, Irish Whiskey, and Other EU Whiskies
“We strongly oppose the inclusion of distilled spirits products in any proposed retaliation list. These tariffs, if imposed, will have numerous unintended negative consequences on U.S. jobs, U.S. consumers and many U.S. companies that export to the EU. U.S. companies–from farmers, to suppliers to retailers–are already being negatively impacted by the imposition of retaliatory tariffs […]
Read MoreDISCUS AND RESPONSIBILITY.ORG ANNOUNCE SENIOR LEADERSHIP APPOINTMENTS
WASHINGTON, DC – Chris Swonger, President and CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) and Responsibility.org , today announced several key senior leadership appointments following the alignment of the two organizations. The Senior Leadership Team consists of: Courtney Armour, Chief Legal Officer, DISCUS & Responsibility.org Adrian Baxter, Chief Financial Officer, DISCUS & Responsibility.org Sarah Fitzmaurice, Chief, Resource Planning & […]
Read MoreTexas Governor Signs Bill to Relax Limits on Liquor Store Ownership and Promote a Free Market in the Lone Star State
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott today signed into law historic legislation that will promote a free and fair market for liquor store ownership in the Lone Star State. Abbott signed HB 1545 , sponsored by Sen. Brian Birdwell, R-Granbury, and Rep. Chris Paddie, R-Marshall, that authorizes the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission to continue operating through 2031. The […]
Read MoreBipartisan Majority of Representatives and Senators Back Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act
Support for the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act (H.R. 1175/ S.362) continues to build momentum with 218 members of the United States House of Representatives and 65 members of the Senate supporting the bipartisan legislation. Introduced by Representatives Ron Kind (D-WI) and Mike Kelly (R-PA) and Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Roy Blunt […]
Read MoreAlcohol Trade Groups Call on USTR To Remove Spirits and Wine From Retaliatory Tariffs List of EU Products
Trade groups representing several beverage alcohol suppliers, wholesalers, importers and retailers, submitted comments to the United States Trade Representative (USTR) urging the removal of spirits, wine and non-alcoholic beer from its draft list of European Union (EU) products being targeted for proposed retaliatory tariffs. The preliminary list of targeted EU products, which was announced by […]
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