www.ablusa.org | www.facebook.com/ablusa | www.twitter.com/ablusa
CALENDAR
April 10-13 - Wine and Spirits Guild of America | Spring Meeting | Santa Barbara, CA
April 12-15 - Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America | 72nd Annual Convention & Expo | Orlando, FL
April 14 - Tavern League of Wisconsin | 31st Annual Legislative Day | Madison, WI
April 14-17 - Brewers Association | 32nd Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America | Portland, OR
April 18-19 - Malt Beverage Distributors Association of Pennsylvania | 79th Annual Convention | Pittsburgh, PA
April 26-29 - National Beer Wholesalers Association | Legislative Conference | Washington, DC
April 29-30 - Responsible Retailing Forum | 13th Annual Meeting | Oklahoma City, OK
May 3 - Minnesota Licensed Beverage Association | Spring Conference | Brainerd, MN
May 12 - New York State Liquor Stores Association | 2nd Annual Celebration | Albany, NY
May 13 - Massachusetts Package Stores Association | Spring Beverage Extravaganza | Marlborough, MA
May 18-21 - National Alcohol Beverage Control Association | 78th Annual Conference | Phoenix, AZ
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
ABL & PUBLIC POLICY News
Registration is open for the 13th ABL Annual Conference
American Beverage Licensees (ABL) is proud to announce that registration is now open for
the 2015 ABL Annual Conference, to be held on June 7-9, 2015 in Washington, D.C. ABL's
signature annual event brings together on- and off-premise beverage licensees to celebrate
their important role in the beverage alcohol marketplace. Registration is available online for
$250 per person, which includes access to all events. Other registration options are also
offered for social events only.
Craft beer political battles hinge on pint sales
Eagle Creek Brewing has struggled to turn a profit, but its owner, Franklin Dismuke, sees a clear fix:
Allow direct-to-consumer sales of beer in Georgia.
Innovating Within an Overregulated Alcohol Landscape: A #CatoDigital Discussion
April is Alcohol Awareness Month. What better time to take a close look at one of our nation's most
heavily regulated industries and the inventive ways entrepreneurs are innovating within this realm?
5 facts to know for Alcohol Awareness Month
April is Alcohol Awareness Month, and instead of toasting it, how about a look at some salient facts.
Here, five things you should know about alcohol.
McDonald's to raise wages for 90,000 US workers
The world's largest restaurant group will pay employees at the 1,500 stores that it owns at least $1
an hour more than the local minimum wage beginning July 1, and will allow them to accrue paid
time off. The increase will raise the average US employee wage from around $9 to more than $10 by
the end of next year.
Higher Alcohol Taxes Shown to Reduce Drunk Driving-Related Deaths
According to a new study from researchers at the University of Florida, fatal car crashes in which
alcohol was involved decreased by 26 percent in Illinois after the state increased its taxes on beer,
wine, and spirits in 2009.
Judge Rules Payment-Card Surcharge Ban Unconstitutional
A new law passed in California that bans payment-card surcharges was ruled unconstitutional by a
federal judge last week (March 26).
MARIJUANA
 In Colorado, Marijuana Taxes May Have to Be Passed Back
 Groups debate marijuana legalization
 US Senate bill shows a way forward for marijuana laws
 NY refuses to loosen up strict medical marijuana rules
 Here's hoping for a marijuana measure that's not half-baked
 Tired of bitcoin? Try marijuana, manure-backed coin
 Pot lobby turns its back on 'Cheech & Chong'
 Justice Department says it can still prosecute medical marijuana cases
 Publicly Traded Marijuana Companies: Buyer Buzzkill
 Medical Marijuana Supporters in Florida Eyeing 2016 Ballot
 Medical marijuana in Georgia
AFFILIATE News
Maryland State Licensed Beverage Association
Md. Delegate to propose bill banning sale of powdered alcohol for 1 year
Lawmaker Still Wants Powdered Alcohol Moratorium, In Spite Of Agreement
Texas Package Stores Association
Bill would allow Wal-Mart, other public companies to own liquor stores
Liquor sales at food stores becoming hot Lege issue
Tavern League of Wisconsin
Monthly Newsletter - April 2015 (pdf)
INDUSTRY News
Beer Institute
Brewers, Beer Importers Recognize Alcohol Awareness Month
Center for Alcohol Policy
Center for Alcohol Policy Marks Alcohol Awareness Month
Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS)
'30s State Store model unfit for today's market
Distilled Spirits Council Provides Responsible Drinking PSA to TV Stations for Alcohol
Awareness Month
National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA)
America's Beer Distributors Recognize National Alcohol Awareness Month
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
NIAAA recognizes Alcohol Awareness Month 2015
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB)
TTB NEWSLETTER | Weekly News (Apr 3)
Wine Institute
Wine Institute Fact Sheet on Arsenic
Raise a Glass to "Green" for California Wines Down to Earth Month
2015 ABL ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Registration for the 2015 ABL
Annual Conference is now open!
Visit our conference website
for registration, session, and
speaker information. Featured
sessions include an EMV payment
update, a grassroots lobbying
briefing, and a session on how to
manage your Yelp reputation, plus
more!
Mobile registration is available here.
Hotel registration information is available on our website.
Please contact ABL directly with any questions at info@ablusa.org.
STATE News
Alabama: Last call for Alabama's state-run retail liquor operations
In the 21st century, why does the State of Alabama need to be in the liquor business? Frankly,
that is the question state legislators need to consider, and Senator Arthur Orr believes that
removing the state from the retail liquor business is the answer.
Alabama: Governor to veto Calhoun County liquor tax
Gov. Robert Bentley will veto a bill that would raise liquor taxes in Calhoun County to fund its
district attorney's office, the lawyer for the governor's office said Wednesday, apparently
dooming similar similar bills for Talladega and other counties.
Alaska: Wet, damp or dry, Alaska communities suffer scourge of alcohol abuse
Unfortunately, decades after the passage of Alaska's local option laws, liquor in one form or
another is available throughout Bush Alaska. And the recent pictures on the front page of this
paper of people in Bethel speaking out against a liquor store just brought to mind once again
how difficult a situation it is.
Arkansas: Arkansas Legislator Drops Proposal to Ban California Wine
A proposal to prohibit the import of California wine has withered after an Arkansas lawmaker he
won't continue to seek retribution over egg regulations.
Arizona: Microbrew laws rewritten as demand for craft beer grows
Four Peaks Brewing Co. has grown over the last two decades from a historic red-brick
microbrewery and restaurant into an Arizona staple that served nearly 1 million gallons of beer
last year, including its popular Kilt Lifter ale.
Arizona: Ban on vertical IDs hindering out-of-state students
Celebrating a 21st birthday with a drink is not in the cards for some Arizona college students.
Out-of-state students who reach drinking age are finding they can't buy alcohol because their
vertical identification cards are not recognized.
Arizona: Arizona House gives initial approval to liquor-law changes
The Circle K chain and other convenience stores are pushing legislation to expand where they
can sell liquor while making it harder for Arizona residents to prevent them moving into their
neighborhoods.
California: California governor orders mandatory water restrictions
California Gov. Jerry Brown ordered officials Wednesday to impose statewide mandatory water
restrictions for the first time in history as surveyors found the lowest snow level in the Sierra
Nevada snowpack in 65 years of record-keeping.
Colorado: Colorado bill to regulate powdered alcohol becomes law
Powdered alcohol, a product marketed as a fast way to mix and carry drinks on the go, will be
taxed and regulated like liquid booze in Colorado with a bill signed into law Monday by
Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper.
Florida: 'Pour it out': Mixed reactions to beach alcohol ban
Opinions varied among visitors Wednesday during the first day of a prohibition against drinking
on the beach.
Florida: Panama City Beach bans alcohol on the beach after spring break shooting
The Panama City Beach City Council voted 4-1 Tuesday afternoon to ban alcohol consumption on
beaches and in parking lots through April 18. The council also made permanent what had been a
temporary, spring break-only ordinance to close bars in the city at 2 a.m. instead of 4 a.m.
Florida: Miami forms new alcohol committee
Miami University has created a new Alcohol Coordinating Committee to try to change attitudes,
behaviors and consequences of high-risk consumption, including binge drinking.
Indiana: Restaurants become a battlefront in Indiana Religious Freedom law
Restaurants have emerged as one of the main battlegrounds in the controversy over Indiana's
Religious Freedom Restoration Act and the effect it might have on equality in public
accommodations.
Iowa: Palcohol: To approve or to disapprove
Alcohol in powdered form seems to be society's hot new topic. However, since Palcohol was
approved by the U.S. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau on March 10, it has been off to
a rocky start.
Kansas: Lawmaker, Chamber CEO spar over liquor-sale proposal
A Republican state senator on Tuesday called out the chief executive officer of the Kansas
Chamber of Commerce over his commitment to the free market.
Kansas: Kansas bill that would allow supermarkets to sell alcohol faces resistance in Senate
committee
Big box retailers would be allowed to sell alcohol in some Kansas counties under a bill discussed
by a state Senate panel Tuesday.
Kansas: Kansas Senate panel to consider expanding liquor licenses
With thousands of dollars in campaign contributions at stake in the 2016 election cycle, GOP
legislators are weighing the risks of acting on a fiercely lobbied issue: allowing supermarkets to
sell liquor.
Maryland: Government Monopoly On Alcohol Protects Public Health, MoCo Say
Montgomery County on Friday hit back at critics of the county's unique alcohol control model,
arguing the system has helped protect the county from the amount of alcohol-related problems
that affect other communities.
Michigan: Bills would ban sale of powdered alcohol in Michigan
Legislators in two chambers and on both sides of the political aisle are looking to stop the sale of
powdered alcohol, known as 'Palcohol,' in Michigan.
Minnesota: Total Wine Alleges Price-Fixing By Competitors In Minnesota
Total Wine & More is taking aim at some of its competitors in the state, alleging that some
Minnesota liquor stores are illegally coordinating pricing. In February, the Minneapolis Business
Journal reports, Total Wine's attorneys sent a cease-and-desist letter to nine Minnesota cities
with municipal liquor stores, asserting antitrust violations by the stores in question, and
demanding a halt to the alleged price-fixing.
Minnesota: Total Wine accuses city-owned competitors of antitrust conspiracy
Total Wine & More, the big-box liquor retailer that battled its way into the Twin Cities last year,
says its city-owned competitors are breaking state and federal antitrust laws by coordinating
prices to squeeze the company.
Missouri: National liquor retailer to open first two stores in St. Louis
A national chain of wine super stores is coming to the St. Louis area with plans to invest $2
million in two new stores and open more stores later on.
Missouri: Mo. House panel sends medical marijuana bill forward
Republican support for a medical marijuana law is moving a proposal forward to the full Missouri
House. A House panel Tuesday unanimously approved a Republican sponsored measure that
would allow some Missouri residents with specific illnesses to obtain and use marijuana legally.
Montana: Montana marijuana bills die in legislature, few alcohol bills remain
Bills to amend Montana drug and alcohol laws are nearly tapped out and it appears the state will
not see much change this legislative session.
Montana: Local liquor stores sue state over unfair compensation
A group of liquor store owners filed a class action lawsuit against the state of Montana, and a
judicial order issued Wednesday partially sides with the plaintiffs.
Montana: Liquor licensing in Montana is expensive, unique; some want to change it, some say
it's fine
State licenses to sell alcohol have sold for as much as $1 million in Gallatin County; many go for
more than $500,000.
New York: Beer and hard cider to be tax free at tastings
Tax exemptions at tastings will be expanded to the beer, cider and spirits industries -- similar to
what is already provided to the wineries.
New York: Gov. Andrew Cuomo picks Vincent Bradley to lead State Liquor Authority
A former assistant attorney general will head the State Liquor Authority, Gov. Andrew Cuomo's
office said Thursday.
New York: Walmart outlines strategic initiatives in New York
During an update to analysts and investors in New York on Wednesday, Greg Foran, said the
company has launched several projects aimed at re-establishing price gaps over its rivals,
including looking at how it works with its suppliers. "While we have pockets of leadership, in
more competitive markets our gap is too small. And against some competitors we are beaten,"
Foran said.
New York: Empire Wine: S.L.A. fished for out-of-state complaints
Empire Wine, the Colonie retailer charged with "improper conduct" by the State Liquor
Authority, claims the S.L.A. enticed other states to complain about Empire's business practices,
despite the authority's claim to the contrary.
New York: State Liquor Authority seeks fines against wine retailers
Gov. Cuomo has cast himself as a champion of the New York wine industry, but the chairman he
reappointed to the State Liquor Authority initiated inquiries against an Albany booze distributor,
which could now have a chilling effect on the state's retail market, critics charge.
North Carolina: Talk it Out NC Campaign Aims to Prevent Underage Drinking
Two lives are lost every week in North Carolina to underage age drinking. The North Carolina
Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission launched a campaign four months ago called Talk it Out
NC to battle the ongoing issue.
Oregon: Powdered alcohol? Oregon lawmakers worry it could enable underage drinking
The Senate passed a pre-emptive ban on sales of powdered alcohol Thursday, worried the
substance could fall into the hands of unruly teenagers.
Oregon: State picks firm to handle pot licenses
The Oregon Liquor Control Commission has selected a Kansas firm to handle applications for
recreational marijuana business licenses, the agency announced today.
Pennsylvania: 2014 was record sales year for liquor in state
The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board recently released its annual retail review that offers a
clear picture of what consumers are buying at state controlled Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores
that somewhat mirrors what's happening in local watering holes.
Pennsylvania: '30s State Store model unfit for today's market
Many have called for the modernization of the state's liquor store system, including the
Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. But while modernization is clearly needed, if it's going to
happen, it needs to be done right.
Pennsylvania: Pa. Senator: I'll Introduce New Liquor Privatization Bill
Scott Wagner, who last year won a special election to the Pennsylvania Senate as a write-in
candidate, is attempting to do what many politicians have tried to do before and failed: Privatize
the state's liquor system.
Pennsylvania: Philadelphia Phillies will serve hard liquor at home games this season
In what seems like either a terrific or terrible idea, all fans of drinking age attending Phillies
games at Citizens Bank Park in 2015 will have access to hard liquor.
Tennessee: Repeal 'Tennessee Whiskey' law sent to full House panel
A bill to repeal a state law that sets requirements for which spirits can me marked as "Tennessee
Whiskey" is poised for full committee votes in both the House and Senate next week.
Tennessee: Distillers: Stiff whiskey law stifles town's boozy revival
Booze, bikes and rock 'n' roll. That's the plan for economic development in this otherwise sleepy
town of Trimble, tucked away among the corn and soybean fields of northwestern Tennessee.
Texas: Powdered alcohol ban sent to full House
The same month federal regulators approved the sale of powdered alcohol, Texas has joined a
growing number of states moving quickly to outlaw the new product that health officials say
could make it easier for minors to conceal and consume alcohol.
Texas: Bills brewing in Austin could help or hurt Texas craft beer
Texas craft brewers are closely following legislation in Austin that could either help them boost
their brands or be a serious buzz kill.
Virginia: Brewing up a Virginia hops industry
Master brewer Jason Oliver passed a shot glass of his Four Point Session India pale ale across the
bar. It was a bitter brew, but certainly gentler than the Eight Point IPA served at Devils
Backbone's taproom.
Virginia: Students 'sticker' stores, help prevent alcohol sales to minors
Colangelo said students talked about this initiative to stop underage drinking and pointed out
that the sticker helps people realize they could spend time in jail or a fine of $2,500 for selling
alcohol to a minor.
Washington: Powdered prohibition? Lawmakers consider banning just-add-water alcohol
packets
A bill making its way through the state Legislature could make Washington one of a growing
number of states to ban a new powdered alcohol product before it reaches liquor-store shelves.
BUSINESS & LIFESTYLE News
5 facts to know for Alcohol Awareness Month
April is Alcohol Awareness Month, and instead of toasting it, how about a look at some salient
facts. Here, five things you should know about alcohol.
Kids allowed sips of alcohol are more likely to drink in high school, study says
The study, published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, found that children who had
sipped alcohol by the sixth grade were about five times more likely to have a full drink by the
time they were in high school and four times more likely to binge drink or get drunk.
Intuit Brews a Special Beer for Accountants Only Called CPA IPA
Tax season is hell for accountants. But in Rhode Island this year, it's been a little less brutal than
usual, thanks to this fun promotion by Intuit.
Vermont: From dry state to beer destination
Hard to believe as it is, the state of Vermont - where craft beer is king, the number of distilleries
keeps climbing and wineries have been ensconced long enough to be called venerable - was dry
for half a century before nationwide Prohibition began for a dozen years in the 1920s.
Why You're Getting Bombarded With More Alcohol Ads Than Ever Before
Spending on alcohol ads has shot up 400 percent over the last four decades, according to a new
study from the University of Texas at Austin. Yet the amount of booze Americans are buying has
remained relatively the same. Brands are fighting harder to keep drinkers, but they're not
convincing them to drink more.
Like all mobile wallets before it, Apple Pay struggles with retailers
A recent study published by market research company Phoenix Marketing International found
that 47 percent of all Apple Pay users shopping in a participating store were not able to use
Apple Pay to complete a transaction at least once.
Wine's 2014 Report Card
At its annual presentation this week at New York City's Museum of Modern Art, the Wine Market
Council and the Nielsen Company reported their findings on U.S. consumer wine trends. They
declared that while we may have reached the turning point of meteoric growth of wine
consumption in America, the future is still bright for individual wine categories, beer and spirits.
Yuengling ousts Boston Beer as top U.S. craft brewery
Samuel Adams has lost its spot atop the list of the top U.S. craft breweries. In its place:
Yuengling.
Beer glasses get a new shape
Almost no one would drink a decent cabernet from the bottle. Most wouldn't even pour it into a
tumbler. In the popular imagination, wine deserves a proper glass. But what about beer?
Think Twice Before Giving Your Kid Passover Wine
There's some folk wisdom that says this is actually a good idea: It teaches kids to drink
responsibly and de-stigmatizes the act, potentially making kids less likely to go overboard when
they start drinking in unsupervised settings. But there's also research suggesting otherwise,
including, a study published in the March issue of the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs.
Scotch on the Rocks While Bourbon Is Booming
Global exports of Scotch whisky fell 7% last year, as American drinkers continued to switch in
droves to bourbon and other American whiskeys. It was the steepest drop-off in Scotch exports
since 1998 and only the third annual decline in 30 years.
West Coast Port Slowdown Hinders Wine Industry
After working without a contract for seven months, dockworkers at 29 West Coast ports
breathed a sigh of relief Feb. 20, when labor negotiators reached a tentative working agreement.
But many suppliers serving the wine industry are still waiting for their shipments to be delivered,
and laborers have yet to vote on the proposed contract, opening a window of possibility for
further delays.
Alcoholic Beverages: A Key Category of the Beverage Industry
The beverage industry can be classified into nonalcoholic and alcoholic beverage categories.
According to Beverage Marketing Corporation, the carbonated soft drink is the key nonalcoholic
beverage category with a market share of 33.1% of the total US beverage market volume.
Alcoholic beverages, primarily beer, also form a dominant part of the US beverage market.
Bacardi Ltd. Acquires Angel's Envy Bourbon Brand
Bacardi Ltd. on Monday said it has acquired the company behind the Angel's Envy bourbon
brand, giving the family-owned rum and spirits company its first American whiskey.
How Texas Roadhouse responded to news of toddler being served alcohol
By Travis Doster's count, 120 news organizations have picked up a story about a 2-year-old
accidentally being served sangria at a Texas Roadhouse in Asheville, N.C.