News Archive
DISCUS Statement on suspension of tariffs for 5 years on distilled spirits products as part of the WTO Boeing Airbus trade dispute
Statement by Chris Swonger, president and CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council, on the U.S.-EU announcement to suspend tariffs for 5 years on distilled spirits products as part of the WTO Boeing Airbus trade dispute agreement “The five-year suspension of these tariffs on distilled spirits is happening at a critical time for the U.S. hospitality industry. We appreciate […]
Read MoreRestaurant Revitalization Fund Replenishment Act Supporting Hospitality Businesses Devastated by the Pandemic Introduced in Congress
Today, Rep. Blumenauer (D-OR), Rep. Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Sen. Sinema (D-AZ) and Sen. Wicker (R-MS) introduced the Restaurant Revitalization Fund Replenishment Act, legislation that provides an additional $60 billion for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF). The RRF provides grants to restaurants, bars and distilleries with tasting rooms that depend on on-site sales as well as other hospitality businesses. “The hospitality industry has […]
Read More113 U.S. and EU Organizations Urge EU and U.S. to Lift Retaliatory Tariffs on Products Unrelated to Transatlantic Trade Disputes
PRESS STATEMENT 113 U.S. and EU Organizations Urge EU and U.S. to Lift Retaliatory Tariffs on Products Unrelated to Transatlantic Trade Disputes Lifting Tariffs Will Help Both Economies Recover From the COVID-19 Pandemic In advance of the upcoming EU-U.S. summit in Brussels, the undersigned 113 organizations reiterate our call for the permanent removal of tariffs […]
Read MoreToasts Not Tariffs Coalition Sends Letter to President Biden in Advance of G-7 Urging Tariff Resolution as Part of U.S.-UK Bilateral Meeting
Toasts Not Tariffs Coalition Sends Letter to President Biden in Advance of G-7 Urging Tariff Resolution as Part of U.S.-UK Bilateral Meeting WASHINGTON – The Toasts Not Tariffs Coalition , 50 associations representing the entire three-tier chain of the U.S. alcohol industry, sent a letter today to President Biden urging that he and Prime Minister Boris Johnson hammer out a deal to […]
Read MoreColorado Legislature Passes Bill to Extend Cocktails To-Go to 2025, Measure Heads to Governor for Signature
The Colorado Legislature today passed HB 1027 , a measure to extend cocktails to-go from distillery pubs, restaurants and bars until July 1, 2025. The bill now heads to Governor Jared Polis’ desk for signature. “Cocktails to-go have proved to be a vital economic lifeline for hospitality businesses across the state, and now, Coloradans are one step […]
Read MoreIllinois Governor Signs Bill Extending Cocktails To-Go Extension Until 2024
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Illinois Governor J. B. Pritzker today signed SB104 extending cocktails to-go until January 1, 2024. The bill includes mixed beverages in sealed, tamper-evident containers as well as manufacturer-sealed containers. “The pandemic has devastated Illinois’ hospitality businesses, and it will take years for them to fully recover,” said Kristi Brown, Distilled Spirits Council […]
Read MoreNew Analysis Shows Ready-to-Drink Cocktail Expansion in Pennsylvania Could Generate More Than $184 Million in Tax Revenue to State
Expanding the sale of ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails to additional retail outlets permitted to sell beverage alcohol could result in more than $184 million in tax revenue for Pennsylvania, according to a new analysis released today by the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS). Currently, spirits-based RTDs must be sold through Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board […]
Read MoreDistilled Spirits Council Establishes Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee
Appoints Dr. Atira Charles, Moët Hennessy and Victoria Russell, Beam Suntory as Chair and Vice Chair The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) announced today that it has formed a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee chaired by Dr. Atira Charles, Head of Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity at Moët Hennessy North America. Victoria Russell, […]
Read MoreOregon Legislature Passes Bill to Make Cocktails To-Go Permanent
Measure heads to Governor Brown for signature The Oregon Legislature passed SB 317 yesterday, a bill to permanently allow cocktails to-go – increasing consumer convenience and supporting hospitality businesses devastated by COVID-19. The bill now heads Governor Kate Brown’s desk for signature. “The COVID-19 pandemic has devastated Oregon’s hospitality businesses, and it will take years for them […]
Read MoreRare George Washington Distillery Letter Goes on Display at Historic Decatur House
Exhibit Preview Features Lecture, Whiskey Tasting By Mount Vernon’s Distillery Director More than 100 guests enjoyed cocktails and an opportunity to preview a rare letter penned by George Washington about his profitable distillery at a special event this evening in the historic Decatur House courtyard co-hosted by the White House Historical Association (WHHA) and the […]
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