In a time long ago, the liquor industry set off alarm bells about Blue Cloud Distribution, Inc., a branch of Pepsi Co. obtaining liquor distribution licenses. The narrative pushed was that Pepsi Co. through the use of its chip’s portfolio would be offering back door slotting fee allowances. After much turbulence, Pepsi Co. pulled the […]
In 2020 we worked on getting cocktails-to-go passed in Illinois. With our movement of the first cocktails-to-go bill passed in America, we faced great opposition from the government. There were refrains that it was dangerous because people would now be able to open a ready-made cocktail while driving and Chicago would turn into New Orleans. […]
It is safe to say that a 25% decrease in any industry would sound off troubling warning signs. To me it’s a code red and all hands need to be on deck to find a solution.
A recent report from the American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA), 2025 Craft Spirits Data Project, portrays an industry facing a […]
To say I was shocked to hear about the indictment against former Executive Director of the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission, Hobert Rupe, is an understatement. It is alleged that Mr. Rupe took bribes from a Lincoln, Nebraska strip club in the form of free cover charge, free drinks, and sexual acts. From the allegations, it […]
Another case has come forth of bribery occurring at a major supermarket chain with a large winery and a large wholesaler alleged to be involved. We can rinse and repeat as these stories repeat themselves time and time again.
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the main buyer for Albertsons took bribes from a large supplier […]
On the way out the door Biden’s Surgeon General Vivek Murthy made a case for a strong link between cancer and alcohol use and wanted to put warning labels on alcohol bottles. Further, he wanted to eliminate the long-held recommendation that two drinks a day for a man and one drink a day for a […]
The Irish pub is an iconic symbol of Ireland. The connotation of the Irish pub is so positive that its format is copied around the world. Visit a foreign country and the place many people feel comfortable is in the local Irish pub, even though they may not have any Irish blood and are in […]
Much of President Trump’s appeal with the populous is based on his America first vision. He invokes this vision when discussing tariffs on foreign products and exercising a non-interventionist foreign policy.
Unfortunately, when it comes to the liquor industry and opening up markets and enhancing competition, the President has abandoned an America first policy.
Last week the […]
Political wars really do bring out the worst in people, especially in the political class. As the U.S./Canada trade wars go unresolved the number of victims grows, most notably the U.S. Wine and Spirts community is taking a major hit, not so much because of the Canadian consumer but because of the Canadian political class.
Many […]
Laws will take effect in Nevada and California that mandate EFT payments between retailers and wholesalers. Stepping into the electronic age and encouraging the use of technology is a good thing, mandating it is a different story.
In Nevada in May of 2025 and in California in January of 2026, retailers are either going to be […]