With the Senate nearing completion on its COVID-19 legislative relief package, Distilled Spirits Council kicked off a Sunday morning “Spirits United” grassroots push activating distilled spirits industry workers nationwide to contact their members of Congress imploring them to provide critical, urgent relief to American distillers and the broader hospitality sector hit hard by this crisis. More than 2,800 letters were sent in the first four hours.
In the interest of public health and safety, distilleries across nation have closed tasting rooms, suspended tours and cancelled large events to limit exposure to COVID-19. As a result, some distillers have been forced to make difficult decisions, including shutting down production and laying off staff. As a result, many distilleries may not be able to survive during this crisis.
“This is an all-out effort to implore Congress not to forget struggling distillers across the country who contribute to our nation’s vibrant hospitality, restaurant and tourism industries,” said Chris Swonger, President/CEO, DISCUS. “The distilled spirits industry employs 1.6 million people nationwide and generates $180 billion in economic activity in the United States. The closures of craft distilleries across the nation would be an incredible loss to the American economy.”
The Senate is expected to vote on the rescue bill on Monday. The package could top $1.3 trillion.