Two Years After Liquor Privatization, Booze in Washington State Costs More
Two years ago, Washington residents voted to end the state's monopoly on liquor sales. In one of the most expensive campaigns ever waged, retailers pumped tens of millions of dollars into convincing voters that private sales would benefit them more than leaving sales...
Washington: State Liquor Industry at Odds Over Fees
Retailers contend distributors are getting an unfair advantage in selling to restaurants and bars; distributors point to $150 million in fees they agree to pay the state in the first-year of privatization. The private-run market for spirits created by I-1183 is...
Canada: Liquor Privatization Pros and Cons
The topic of the privatization of the Newfoundland Labrador Liquor Corp. has been discussed briefly in recent media. It is a topic that comes up for debate every so often, but hasn't seemed to spark a great deal of interest in the public. Setting aside the...
For Small and Large Brewers, the U.S. Market Is Open
The U.S. beer market is open, freely competitive, and driven by consumer choice. Brewers who capture the hearts of consumers are the most likely to succeed. Those who miss shifts in consumer identities, norms, attitudes, and tastes will suffer. The success of...
Will Indiana Ever Expand Sunday Alcohol and Cold Beer Sales?
Want to buy a cold beer in Indiana? Better not head to a pharmacy, grocery or convenience store. How about a carry-out bottle of wine or a six-pack of beer on a Sunday? Stay away from grocery stores, liquor stores, convenience stores, bars and restaurants. After a...
American Wine Drinkers are Saving the World
In 2004, Jonathan Nossiter released Mondovino, the most provocative and controversial wine documentary ever made. True, it's a category without much competition but, even so, let's give Nossiter his due: he knew how to kick up a storm. Mondovino suggested that...
Scotch Whisky Producers Must Smooth Out the Production Cycle
Scotch whisky is currently having a smooth run in the US market and some emerging markets. The Scotch industry is ramping up production to prepare for more growth and future demands, but it might be time for a reflective pause. In past trends, the Scotch...
News From TTB – Potato Protein Isolate
POTATO PROTEIN ISOLATE GRANTED ADMINISTRATIVE APPROVAL AS A NEW WINE TREATING MATERIAL We've granted administrative approval, pending rulemaking, for the use of potato protein isolate as a fining agent in wine at the rate of 500 ppm (50 g/hL). We...
America’s Beer, Wine & Spirits Retailers Meet in Washington
American Beverage Licensees gathered in the nation's capital June 8-10 to meet with their colleagues in the retail tier, Congressional Members, public officials, and industry leaders, and to learn from national experts on alcohol policy and business at the ABL Annual...