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CALENDAR
June 3 - New York State Liquor Stores Association | 2nd Annual Celebration | Albany, NY
June 7-9 - American Beverage Licensees | 13th Annual Conference | Washington, DC
June 8 - Empire State Restaurant & Tavern Association | Annual Golf Outing | Warrensburg, NY
June 10 - National Archives "Spirited Republic" Alcohol Exhibit | Industry Gala | Washington, DC
June 11 - Alaska CHARR | Board Meeting | Anchorage, AK
June 12 - Alaska CHARR | 15th Annual Selman Memorial Golf Tournament |Anchorage, AK
June 14-17 - National Conference of State Liquor Administrators | Annual Conference | San Diego, CA
June 22 - New Jersey Liquor Store Alliance | 5th Annual Golf Classic | Hillsborough, NJ
June 23 - Indiana Association of Beverage Retailers | Annual Golf Outing | Indianapolis, IN
June 27 - Tavern League of Wisconsin | Tailgate Party at Brewers Stadium | Milwaukee, WI
July 26-27 - Texas Package Stores Association | 68th Annual TPSA Convention, Trade Show & Cork Pull | San
Antonio, TX
ABL & PUBLIC POLICY News
Alcohol Tax Breaks Brewing In Congress - May 2015
Tax relief may be on the way for alcohol producers both large and small. Two tax breaks for brewers
are vying for the spotlight on Capitol Hill, while a third piece of legislation would grant earlier tax
deductions to distillers of aged spirits.
House Approves Short-Term Financing for Highways
The House on Tuesday approved a two-month extension of funding for transportation projects,
setting up what could be a defining fight over money for highways and other infrastructure this
summer after years of stopgap measures.
In Historic Vote, Senate Appropriations Committee Approves Veterans Medical Marijuana
Amendment
The Senate Appropriations Committee passed a bipartisan amendment today, 18 to 12, allowing
Veterans Administration (VA) doctors to recommend medical marijuana to their patients in states
where medical marijuana is legal. The vote is the first time the U.S. Senate has ever moved
marijuana law reform legislation forward.
Senators Urge FDA to Delay Menu Labeling
Bipartisan group of legislators believe that while delay is a temporary fix, pending legislation would
provide more effective response for retailers.
This Time, Senate Votes to Advance Trade Pact
A flurry of last-minute deal-making on the Senate floor Thursday rescued President Obama's
ambitious trade agenda from defeat, advancing legislation that would empower the president to
complete a sweeping, 12-nation Pacific trade accord.
MARIJUANA
 Earlier puberty and stunted growth in boys linked to marijuana use
 Weed etiquette: The Emily Post Institute talks social graces
 MBTA rejects marijuana training institute's ads
 Take A Look Inside The World Of Medical Marijuana
 Marijuana legalization discussed in Augusta
 Illinois Senate passes marijuana decriminalization bill but plans changes
 Marijuana expo draws 'gold rush' to Illinois, without the gold
 Oregon Marijuana Legalization 2015: Weed Smell Could Trigger $500 Fine In Pendleton
 Legalizing medical marijuana will be an issue in 2016, S.C. senators say
 Texas medical marijuana bill heading to Gov. Abbott
 Utah lawmakers plan to 'carefully' consider medical marijuana
 Washington State Marijuana Shops Caught Selling to Minors
 Looks Good Enough To Smoke: Marijuana Gets Its Glamour Moment
AFFILIATE News
Tavern League of Wisconsin
Letters: Celebrate Tavern Month
INDUSTRY News
Beer Institute
Susan Haney celebrates 14 years
5 Points on How the Fair BEER Act Helps Every Brewery in America
National Alcohol Beverage Control Association (NABCA)
Control State Results for 2015 (pdf)
National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA)
National Beer Wholesalers Association Announces Launch of New Mobile-Friendly Website
National Restaurant Association (NRA)
5 tech trends from the NRA Show
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB)
TTB NEWSLETTER | Weekly News (May 22)
Wine America
Congress Moves to Protect U.S. Wines from Canadian Tariffs
Wine Institute
Wine Institute Urges Congress to Act Now to Prevent COOL Retaliation and Damage to U.S.
Wine Exports
Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA)
Alcohol Wholesalers Group Makes Waves With Drizly Investment
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Please contact ABL directly with any questions at info@ablusa.org.
STATE News
Alaska: Debate brewing in Anchorage over alcohol sales for mobile food vendors
A coffee and food stand in downtown Anchorage is seeking a license to serve beer and wine,
sparking debate among city officials over whether mobile food vendors should be eligible for
liquor licenses.
Arizona: More bartending jobs on tap for Arizona
Job seekers might want to brush up on their cocktail recipes as Arizona is expected to have the
second highest expected growth rate for bartending in the nation for the next decade.
California: Beer Bikes to Roam On Streets of California Soon
California lawmakers on Monday passed a bill that would allow beer bikes to operate freely on
state streets. SB530 would create a vehicle safety standard for beer bikes, which allow up to 15
people to pedal at slow speeds. As its name the beer bikes do not serve beer on board, but they
can, however, be found in places where alcohol is commonly served. They stop at these spots
during riding tours.
Colorado: Hickenlooper signs taprooms-regulation bill into law
Brewery, winery and distillery taprooms will be subject to a little more government oversight but not the increase they once feared they'd see - under a bill signed into law Thursday by
Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper.
Connecticut: House votes to ban 'Palcohol' -- powdered alcohol
Although federal authorities recently approved the sale and use of controversial powdered
alcohol, the House on Monday overwhelmingly voted to ban the substance from Connecticut.
The bill, which passed 143-2 and was previously approved in the Senate, next heads to the
governor for final action.
Florida: Florida Governor Signs Growler Bill
Florida will soon join 47 others states that allow the sale of 64-ounce growlers. Gov. Rick Scott
signed SB 186 on Thursday which legalizes the sale of the large refillable beer containers known
as growlers.
Florida: Miami Beach Bans Sidewalk Alcohol After 2 A.M.
Miami Beach commissioners have approved a ban on alcohol consumption at sidewalk cafes
between 2 a.m. and 8 a.m.
Maine: Committee backs plan to cut alcohol tax on kombucha
A Maine legislative committee is unanimously supporting a bill aimed at cutting the alcohol tax
on kombucha. Kombucha is fermented tea that typically has a much lower percentage of alcohol
by volume than beer or wine. Bill sponsor Justin Alfond says the change to the excise tax will
"support the Kombucha industry and keep Maine's momentum in the craft beverage industry."
The Taxation Committee unanimously supported the bill on Monday.
Michigan: Michigan Senate moves to ban powdered alcohol in Michigan
Michigan Senators today voted unanimously to prohibit the possession and sale of powdered
alcohol products in Michigan. The issue landed on Michigan's doorstep when the federal
government approved "Palcohol," a brand of powdered alcohol, earlier this year. It's a pouch of
powder that comes in flavors like rum and cosmopolitan.
Michigan: Study: Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlocks Effectively Cut Drunk Driving
The Michigan Supreme Court says a new study finds that requiring repeat drunken drivers to use
ignition interlocks testing their breath for alcohol is effective in getting them to stay straight.
Missouri: KC to consider expanding farmers market liquor sales
The sale of Missouri wines is going so well at the City Market farmers market that the Kansas City
Council will consider allowing sales of locally produced liquor and beer. The council last July
approved a new type of permit for Missouri farmers and producers to sell their wines by the
bottle at the City Market weekend farmers market, 20 W. Fifth St.
Nebraska: Powdered alcohol possession penalties set
The Legislature on Monday established penalties for possession of powdered alcohol before
sending an omnibus liquor control bill on its way to final consideration.
Nevada: Lawmakers OK Bill Raising Sales Cap On Locally Made Liquor
Nevada lawmakers have approved a measure that would let people buy more locally distilled
bottles of liquor. Assembly members voted unanimously to approve SB246 on Monday, after the
Senate unanimously voted for the bill in April.
New Jersey: Alcohol and Underage Drinking part two of series on substance abuse
The Safe Communities Coalition of Hunterdon/Somerset will present Part 2 in a five-part series
of articles on a variety of substance abuse topics, such as e-cigarettes and vaping; alcohol;
marijuana; prescription (Rx) drugs; and heroin.
New York: 'Designated Skipper' Campaign Launches Nationwide
The Sea Tow Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting boater safety, is
proud to announce the launch of its Designated Skipper campaign across the U.S. The goal of this
important new program, which is supported by a grant from the Sport Fish Restoration &
Boating Trust Fund as administered by the U.S. Coast Guard, is to help eliminate boating under
the influence (BUI) and alcohol-related accidents on the water while keeping boating fun for
everyone.
North Carolina: Powdered alcohol, distillery sales, other ABC provisions rolled into one bill
A bill that originally dealt with selling 20-year-old bottles of liquor has now become a sweeping
omnibus adjusting eight different areas of the state's alcohol laws. The Senate Commerce
Committee rolled out the newly expanded bill Thursday morning. Some of the changes are
relatively technical, such as a provision that allows brewers to lease their equipment to smaller
brewers and another that allows distillers of cider to sell jugs of their products known as
growlers.
Ohio: New alcohol-delivery service launches Thursday
Drinkos, an alcohol-delivery company that promises "no more late-night trips to the liquor or
convenience store," will launch its Dayton-area service at 4 p.m. Thursday, May 21, a Drinkos
spokeswoman said this morning.
Oregon: Proposed marijuana sales tax unveiled by Oregon Legislators
Oregon legislators on Monday unveiled a proposed retail sales tax for marijuana that would
replace the harvest tax approved by voters. The proposed sales tax was one of the major
provisions included in a new 104-page amendment aimed at implementing the marijuana
legalization initiative approved last November by voters.
Oregon: Prineville brewery to change name
The first brewery in Prineville, established in 1882 at Fourth and Main streets, was also called the
Ochoco Brewery, according to Jon Abernathy's "Bend Beer: A History of Brewing in Central
Oregon." That building burned five years later; the relocated brewery went out of business in
1890, according to Abernathy.
Pennsylvania: Cheers! Some Pennsylvania voters say 'yes' to liquor sales
Voters in some Pennsylvania towns have approved the sale of alcohol. The measure to allow
liquor licenses for restaurants and bars was overwhelmingly approved Tuesday in Upper Allen
Township. The Cumberland County community has been dry since Prohibition.
Utah: Utah liquor agency lets employees quit to deal with budget cuts despite record profits
The Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (DABC), grappling with a $500,000 cut, will
continue to use attrition as a way to balance its budget, a move that frustrates many employees
of the highly profitable agency and has one lawmaker seeking a legislative remedy.
Virginia: Panel created by governor to review Va. liquor agency police activities holds 1st
meeting
A panel appointed by Virginia's governor to examine the state Alcoholic Beverage Control
Department's law enforcement activities has begun its work.
Washington: Alcohol ads on local buses? It may happen
Kitsap Transit estimates it could make at least $100,000 a year if it allows advertising for alcohol
on its buses. Executive Director John Clauson believes Kitsap Transit would be the first transit
agency in the state to allow it if the board approves the plan next month.
BUSINESS & LIFESTYLE News
For $300, You Can Drink Gin Made From The Bodies Of Foraged Ants
Anty Gin, a new brand of liquor produced in the U.K., is using insects to help flavor the spirit. The
culinary project is a collaboration between the Nordic Food Lab, a gastronomic research
nonprofit, and The Cambridge Distillery, the world's first "gin tailor."
More Women in New York Are Shaking, Stirring and Pouring
In 2014, some of the city's most prestigious bars and restaurants named women to headbartender and beverage-director positions, including Dead Rabbit (Jillian Vose), Death & Co (Eryn
Reece), Ai Fiori (Jen Gordon) and Cosme (Yana Volfson). And if the first few months of 2015 are
any indication, the trend for star female mixologists is heating up. In February, Nitecap head
bartender Natasha David was named StarChef's 2015 Rising Star Mixologist.
Critics force alcohol delivery service to close
A new alcohol delivery service has been forced to close "for now" after health professionals
criticised the firm for being irresponsible.
The Spirit of America
In the 1890s, the spirits capital of the U.S. wasn't Kentucky, but Illinois. Peoria alone made some
185,000 gallons of liquor daily.
Drizly Lands $13 Million In Series A Funding
Drizly, the mobile shopping app that connects users with delivery-friendly liquor stores, is today
announcing the close of a $13 million Series A funding round, led by Polaris Partners. Existing
investors Suffolk Equity Partners also participated alongside First Beverage Group and others.
These Online Maps Can Tell You Where Your Wine Came From
In trying to figure that out, I eventually stumbled on a map-driven website for wine industry
insiders. It was developed by Jordan Thomas, a cartographer who grew up here in Sonoma
county.
Millennials are drinking wine instead of beer and the industry is freaking out
Millennials are increasingly moving away from beer in favor of wine and spirits. This trend is
scaring major companies like Anheuser-Busch, MillerCoors, and Heineken, according to a recent
report by Morgan Stanley.
We Experimented With Powdered Alcohol So You Don't Have To
On Monday of this week, Connecticut's House of Representatives voted to ban the sale of
powdered alcohol, supporting a bill that will go to Governor Dannel Malloy for approval. The
Nutmeg State's attack on the stuff follows statewide bans in Delaware, Vermont, Virginia, South
Carolina, Louisiana, Utah and Alaska.
Beer in the middle, wine on the coasts, says Twitter
Americans like to relax with a drink after work, and then they like to tweet about it. The type of
alcohol favored across the country can be measured using millions of tweets over the first
quarter of the year, according to new data shared with CNBC by social intelligence company
Brandwatch.
New cocktail delivery service eyes US launch
A cocktail kit subscription and delivery service is seeking funding of US$40,000 through
Kickstarter to launch in the US. SaloonBox has launched on the crowd-funding website to bring
its business to market, offering ingredients kits and instructions for customers to make cocktails
at home.
Adolescents with sleep issues more likely to use alcohol, marijuana
Adolescents who sleep less or stay up later are significantly more likely to have used alcohol and
marijuana over the past month when compared to their peers who report better sleep patterns,
according to a new RAND Corporation study.
The Wine-Dark Sea of Regulation
On May 27, our Napa Valley winery will pull eight cases of Cabernet Sauvignon out of Charleston
Harbor in South Carolina. We placed them there six months ago, protected from the elements,
following similar experiments in the past two years. The cold water and the tides seem to
expedite the aging process, and we believe that our ocean-aged fine wine-which we've
trademarked as Aquaoir-could revolutionize how vintners around the world think about
winemaking. The only obstacle: the federal government.
Wigle Whiskey bringing bourbon distilling back to Pa.
Wigle Whiskey, the young Strip District distiller known mainly for its ryes, swore it would never
make bourbon. The bourbon market is hyper-competitive. Bourbon isn't part of the Wigle ethos.
There's nothing "Pittsburgh" about corn-based spirits. But the law of supply and demand is hard
to ignore.
Here's why drinking makes you friendlier - to certain people
Alcohol may also make us more empathic and cause us to see other people as more attractive.
But why do these reactions occur and are the positive effects of alcohol expressed towards
everybody we interact with?
Liquor bottles now can talk to your cellphone
The message-in-a-bottle routine is going Wi-Fi. And that means pretty soon you'll have your very
own mini Times Square at the bar, right on the bottle.
Dollar Tree scores missed expectations hat trick
Dollars Tree's first quarter sales were less than expected, it is divesting more of the acquired
Family Dollar stores than expected and closing the merger is taking longer than expected.
Restaurants: A Pathway to the American Dream
If you only read the headlines about the restaurant industry these days, you'd be forgiven for not
understanding all that this important American industry does to provide opportunities to 14
million Americans. Industry detractors have worked hard in an organized fashion to spread
misinformation about wages and the treatment of workers for their own means.