The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) today announced the Virginia Spirits Association is joining Spirits United as a partner member to strengthen the spirits industry through advocacy.

“The Virginia Spirits Association will be another critically important state partner for Spirits United as we work to secure cocktails to-go permanency and grow the spirits market in Virginia,” said Chris Swonger, president & CEO of DISCUS and Responsibility.org. “Currently, the distilled spirits industry provides more than 15,700 jobs and $1.4 billion in gross domestic product in Virginia. Together, we will use the Spirits United platform to ensure lawmakers hear our collective voices on legislative issues that matter most to Virginia distillers and industry stakeholders to ensure the continued growth of our sector.”

The Virginia Spirits Association is a nonprofit trade association focused on promoting its member companies that are a mix of small and large businesses that advocate for the responsible use of alcohol, sound state policies and that generate revenue that benefits all Virginians.

“We look forward to teaming with Spirits United and DISCUS on policies that promote a fair and equitable marketplace and serve to modernize our industry here in Virginia,” said Don Tierney, executive director of Virginia Spirits Association. “Virginia Spirits Association’s member companies supply more than 96 percent of the distilled spirits sold in the Commonwealth of Virginia. As one of 17 states where the state government manages the sale of distilled spirits at the wholesale and/or retail level—ABC stores are the only retail outlets in Virginia where customers may purchase distilled spirits. Our member companies and their brands were associated with $445 million in fiscal year 2020 General Fund ABC disbursements.”

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Spirits United: Spirits United features important information on key issues facing the spirits industry, hospitality professionals and consumers, while providing advocates with an easy-to-use online platform to weigh in on issues that matter to them. Other Spirits United is a growing platform with more than 20 partners. Spirits United is an inclusive community for anyone and everyone over the age of 21.

About the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States: The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States is the leading voice and advocate for distilled spirits in the U.S., advocating on legislative, regulatory and public affairs issues impacting the distilled spirits sector at the local, state, federal and international levels. DISCUS members are committed to responsibility and encourage adults who drink to do so in moderation.

Virginia Spirits Association: Virginia Spirits Association is a non-profit association founded in 2011 with the purpose to protect and advance the interests and welfare of its members who are directly engaged in the responsible and successful promotion of spirits in the Commonwealth of Virginia. VSA advocates on behalf of its members to ensure spirits are available to citizens across the Commonwealth and encourage the responsible use of spirits by legal-aged adults.