News Archive
Pennsylvania Senate Introduces Legislation Expanding Consumer Access to Distilled Spirits
The Distilled Spirits Council today lauded legislation introduced by State Senator Gene Yaw (R-23) that would expand the number of outlets permitted to sell spirits in Pennsylvania. The legislation, SB 548, would increase the number of spirits outlets by allowing existing off-premise licensees, including grocery stores with “R licenses” and beer retailers, to immediately begin […]
Read MoreTexas Senate and House recognize April as Alcohol Responsibility Month
The Texas Senate and House of Representatives today recognized April as Alcohol Responsibility Month as “a welcome opportunity to call attention to the work that must be done to further reduce the tragic impact of drunk driving and underage drinking in Texas.” The Senate and House approved SR 536 by Sen. Kelly Hancock, R-North Richland Hills, and […]
Read MoreGovernor Northam Signs Law Expanding Hours of Sunday Spirits Sales
Beginning July 1, 2019, Virginians will be able to purchase a bottle of spirits on Sundays beginning at 10 a.m. instead of noon, under a new law recently signed by Governor Ralph Northam. “Increasing shopping convenience is good for the consumer and good for Virginia,” said David Wojnar, Vice President of the Distilled Spirits Council, […]
Read MoreImpact of Retaliatory Tariffs on American Whiskeys Accelerates
The Distilled Spirits Council today released a new report showing the negative impact of the retaliatory tariffs on American Whiskeys is accelerating, particularly to the European Union (EU), according to full year 2018 export data. Last month, at its Annual Economic Briefing, the Council reported the imposition of retaliatory tariffs beginning in June 2018 caused American […]
Read MoreWest Virginia Strikes Down Sunday Liquor Sales Ban
Beginning this weekend, West Virginians can purchase a bottle of spirits any day of the week, under a new law signed today by Governor Jim Justice repealing the state’s Prohibition-era ban on Sunday liquor sales. “More and more states are rolling back these outdated Sunday sales bans to modernize their alcohol laws and increase consumer […]
Read MoreVirginia Governor Signs Statewide Alcohol Sales Bill
Requires 31 Dry or Partially Dry Counties to Opt-Out by Referendum Virginia Governor Ralph Northam today signed into law SB 1110 , which makes the entire state “wet” but allows localities to opt-out of alcohol sales by referendum, according to the Distilled Spirits Council. The new law applies to 31 counties that are “dry” or “partially […]
Read MoreTexas Senate Bill Would Repeal Unconstitutional Loophole and Promote a Free Market for Package Store Ownership
Legislation introduced in the Texas Senate would remove a decades-old anticompetitive and unconstitutional limit on package store ownership and promote a free and fair market in Texas. State Sen. Brian Birdwell, R-Granbury, has introduced Senate Bill 645 that would remove the limit on package store ownership and the so-called “consanguinity loophole.” Current Texas law limits the number of […]
Read MoreTexas House Legislation Would Repeal Antiquated “Blue Law’’ and Allow Package Stores to Open on Sundays
Texans would have the opportunity to purchase their favorite distilled spirits from package stores on Sundays under new legislation introduced in the Texas Legislature. State Rep. Richard Peña Raymond, D-Laredo, has introduced House Bill 1100 that would allow Texas package stores to open seven days a week. The legislation, if approved by the 86th Legislature, would repeal one […]
Read MoreDistilled Spirits Council Urges End of Retaliatory Tariffs on U.S. Spirits
The Distilled Spirits Council, in coordination with a diverse, ad hoc coalition of more than 45 business and agricultural groups, today sent a letter to Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer requesting that the United States work with Mexico and Canada to end retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods as soon as possible. “U.S. spirits have […]
Read MoreDistilled Spirits Council Supports Ending Dry Counties in Virginia
The Distilled Spirits Council today registered strong support for legislation that would allow alcohol sales in all jurisdictions of the Commonwealth. Virginia. SB 1110 , sponsored by Virginia Senator Bryce Reeves, was reported out of the Senate’s Committee on Rehabilitation and Social Services earlier today. The legislation would make the entire state of Virginia wet, requiring localities to […]
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