Legislative Move Ends Cocktails to Go in Penna.

Posted on June 17, 2021 by Joel Whitaker

The move comes after the Republican-controlled House and Senate voted to limit Wolf’s disaster emergency powers, a decision apparently ratified by 54% of Pennsylvania voters who approved a state constitutional amendment that would allow a simple majority of lawmakers to terminate a disaster at any time.  The voters also approved a proposal that limits a disaster declaration to 21 days, down from 90, and transfers the power to extend an emergency declaration to the legislature.

Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board immediately responded by announcing that Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf’s emergency declaration that allowed bars and restaurants to sell cocktails-to-go and provide outdoor seating are no longer in effec

“For more than 13 months during the COVID-19 pandemic, Gov. Wolf has exerted nearly unlimited power to suspend state statutes, spend money without the authorization of the legislature, and close schools and businesses as he saw fit,” Senate President Pro Tempore Jake Corman (R., Centre) told reporters last month.

Republican lawmakers were particularly angered by Wolf’s decisions to temporarily close businesses deemed nonessential and stagger the economy’s reopening to slow the spread of COVID-19.  There hasn’t been any indication the Republicans will act swiftly to allow restoration of cocktails-to-go.

 

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Toasts Not Tariffs Applauds Progress in Boeing-Airbus Dispute

Posted on June 17, 2021 by Joel Whitaker

The 50 trade associations that make up the Toasts Not Tariffs Coalition called the five-year tariff suspensions announced earlier this week “tremendous progress.

“Securing a long-term tariff suspension in this dispute provides U.S., EU and UK producers, importers, exporters, and distributors of wines and spirits, as well as bartenders, restaurants, bars and other on-premise establishments with much-needed certainty, many of which have been negatively impacted by the pandemic,” it said, adding:

“The Toasts Not Tariffs Coalition hopes these important developments will set the stage for the prompt removal of the 25% tariffs on American Whiskeys to the UK and EU. Having recently entered the third year of retaliatory tariffs on American Whiskeys to these two key markets, it is critically important for our producers, our farmer suppliers and the hospitality sector across the U.S., EU and UK that we return to the zero-for-zero agreement on trade in distilled spirits.

“We fully appreciate the Biden administration’s commitment and ongoing efforts to secure a prompt return to duty-free trade for all distilled spirits and an agreement to refrain from imposing any new tariffs on wine,” the coalition concluded.

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Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire Partners with Drag Queen

Posted on June 17, 2021 by Joel Whitaker

Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire (Brown-Forman), teamed up with Trinity K Bone’t to launch the Summer Glamp Sweepstakes, which will award one lucky winner a Jack Daniel’s glamping kit and a $750 gift card that can be used towards a glamping experience.

The contest is an extension of the whiskey maker’s national Pride campaign, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire presents Drag Queen Summer Glamp, a content series featuring RuPaul’s Drag Race alums visiting the Jack Daniel Distillery in Tennessee. Additionally, Trinity will make surprise visits to local LGBTQ+-owned bars and restaurants during June to help support small business recovery.

To enter, participants post a short video of themselves here explaining why they need a Summer Glamp experience  The contest ends at 11:59 p.m. PST June 30.

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7-Eleven Intros Plot + Point Wine

Posted on June 17, 2021 by Joel Whitaker

It’s packaged in a 3 literTetra Pak container– that’s about three glasses — featuring a screwcap top that makes it easy to pack and sip during all summertime activities, from the beach to backyard gatherings.  Plot + Point is available in chardonnay and pinot grigio, and is available at participating 7-Eleven stores.

Plot + Point joins other wines in 7-Eleven’s wine portfolio, including: Sip Sip Hooray canned wine cocktails, Trojan Horse chardonnay and pinot grigio, Yosemite Road wine and Voyager Point® cabernet sauvignon, red blend and sauvignon blanc wines.

Alternative packaging and non-breakable containers continue to grow in popularity over traditional wine bottles as wine drinkers look for convenient options for outdoor events and activities. The Plot + Point Tetra Pak packaging holds the equivalent of three glasses of wine and is something to say cheers to. It’s easy and convenient to enjoy where and when customers want, and the re-sealable container makes it simple to have one glass, store and save for later, or to enjoy in one sitting.

“When it comes to beverages, 7-Eleven continues to innovate across all categories, and that includes alcoholic beverages,” said Amy Werth, senior director of 7-Eleven Private Brands. “This year, perhaps as never before, summertime beckons with picnics in the park, outdoor events and backyard barbecues. We wanted to offer our customers great-tasting wine in a portable, unbreakable container that they can take along on their adventures. Best of all, Plot + Point wine proves customers don’t have to sacrifice taste and quality for convenience.”

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Ritual Zero Proof Launches a Rum Alternative

Posted on June 17, 2021 by Joel Whitaker

Ritual Rum Alternative is said to “boast all the warm vanilla, toasted spice and velvety decadence of dark rum, minus the alcohol or calories.”

“Ritual is the true liquor replacement. It is to spirits what the Impossible burger is to meat; what Oatly is to milk,” said Marcus Sakey, founding partner of Ritual Zero Proof. “Most people who buy those products aren’t vegetarian – they just want a little balance, without sacrificing flavor. Ritual has cracked that code – and consumers have noticed.”

Consumers have propelled Ritual from an unknown startup to a top player in the U.S. non-alcoholic spirits sector in less than two years. Rital’s revenue grew 241% in 2020, the company said, adding it is on track to demolish that record this year.

An exclusive pre-sale of Rum Alternative which was only available on the brand’s website netted its best single-day sales to date, moving 38% more bottles in one day than the previous record.

The team also improved the recipes for Ritual’s Gin, Whiskey and Tequila Alternatives, incorporating expert and consumer feedback to make them taste even more like their alcoholic counterparts, the company said.

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Who & What —

Posted on June 17, 2021 by Joel Whitaker

APPOINTED:  Benson Marketing Group to represent St. George Spirits, one of America’s original craft distilleries.

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