News Archive
Distilled 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 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 MoreDistilled Spirits Council of the United States Launches New ‘Partner Membership Program’ to Connect Spirits Supply Chain Businesses with Spirits Companies
The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS), America’s leading advocate for the distilled spirits industry, today announced a new Partner Membership Program designed specifically for the spirits industry’s supply chain and related businesses to engage in shaping tomorrow’s marketplace. “Our supply chains play a critical role in the success of the distilled spirits […]
Read MoreStatement on the Passing of TTB Administrator John Manfreda by Chris Swonger, President and CEO of DISCUS and Responsibility.org
“On behalf of the members of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, we are deeply saddened by the passing of TTB Administrator John Manfreda. He has been a friend and colleague to so many of us in the spirits industry and he will be sorely missed. John exemplified the best in public service […]
Read MoreTexas House and Senate Approve Historic Legislation to Promote a Free Market for Liquor Store Ownership
The Texas Senate and House of Representatives have overwhelmingly approved historic legislation that strikes down a decades-old anticompetitive and unconstitutional loophole limiting liquor store ownership that will promote a free and fair market in Texas. The Legislature approved HB 1545, sponsored by Sen. Brian Birdwell, R-Granbury, and Rep. Chris Paddie, R-Marshall, that would authorize the […]
Read MoreDistilled Spirits Council Blasts Proposed 10% Alcohol Tax Increase in Connecticut
The Distilled Spirits Council today called on the Connecticut legislature to reject the budget proposal by the state Joint Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee, which included a new 10 percent excise tax increase on alcohol. “The proposal is a massive tax increase on consumers that received no oversight or chance for public comment,” said Distilled Spirits […]
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