Will the Illinois Legislature listen to the Biden administration’s view on the liquor industry?

By |2022-03-04T04:43:48+00:00March 4th, 2022|Liquor Industry Insights|

Will the Illinois Legislature listen to the Biden administration’s view on the liquor industry?

The Treasury Department authored a report about the alcohol industry named, Competition in the Markets for Beer, Wine, and Spirits.

The report harped on the challenges facing smaller producers, and how markets must become more open and friendly for the small […]

Teamsters, if Gallo then why not Beam

By |2022-02-11T02:35:43+00:00February 11th, 2022|Liquor Industry Insights|

Teamsters, if Gallo then why not Beam

The California Teamsters Public Affairs Council and the big wholesalers are celebrating a soon to be revealed amendment to the California Direct Shipping Bill, which would limit spirits direct shipping to those distilleries producing less than 150,000 gallons. The limitation is portrayed as a way […]

Thank God California Teamsters Are Here to Save Us!

By |2022-02-04T01:36:26+00:00February 4th, 2022|Liquor Industry Insights|

Thank God California Teamsters Are Here to Save Us!

What is happening with the California Teamsters, are they finding religion on DTC shipping for spirits producers! Roughly three weeks ago, the Teamster had one of its members write a passionate plea about the ills of DTC spirits shipping, everything from the small […]

Do California Wholesalers want Market Prohibition?

By |2022-01-26T20:37:26+00:00January 26th, 2022|Liquor Industry Insights|

Do California Wholesalers want Market Prohibition?

The Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of California are launching a major effort to defeat SB 620,[1] which would allow distilleries to ship directly to California consumers. Their position is DTC shipping would threaten up to 10,000 union employee jobs, of course how they […]

Chicago’s Mandate to Bar and Restaurant Owners: Play Sheriff Now

By |2022-01-17T02:44:17+00:00January 17th, 2022|Liquor Industry Insights|

Chicago’s Mandate to Bar and Restaurant Owners: Play Sheriff Now

Welcome to Chicago where crime is rampant and businesses and restaurants have been looted and burglarized in the most alarming of ways. Unable to effectively police crime to ensure safety for the hospitality industry, (several restaurant and bar owners have told me off record […]

Response to Teamster Member Against California DTC Distillery Shipping: He’s hurting the little man

By |2022-01-12T03:00:03+00:00January 12th, 2022|Liquor Industry Insights|

Today, I write in response to a letter from Trevor Cooke, a Teamster that works for Republic National Distributing Company (a major liquor distributor), who wrote against California’s attempts to legalize DTC shipping for spirits.

I am sure Mr. Cooke was well intentioned, but I respectfully disagree with his reasoning.

He indicates that the attempts to expand […]

Jesus and the three-tier system

By |2021-12-25T19:49:39+00:00December 25th, 2021|Liquor Industry Insights|

Jesus and the three-tier system

Good Christmas tidings to all. On this festive day as a Catholic, I wanted to write about the reason we celebrate, Jesus Christ.

Around 2,000 years ago, Jesus performed a miracle and turned water into wine and served it to the guest during the Marriage at Cana. We […]

Liquor Shipping and Illinois’ Class 4 folly

By |2021-12-20T14:50:57+00:00December 20th, 2021|Liquor Industry Insights|

Liquor Shipping and Illinois’ Class 4 folly

Chicago, the greatest of American big cities, makes the news these days based on rampant crime. Unfortunately, smash and grab crimes plague the beautiful Magnificent Mile and high-end luxury stores like Louis Vuitton.

Cook County States Attorney, Kim Foxx will not prosecute a felony retail theft […]

The Underage Predicament and liquor shipping, is this the real issue?

By |2021-11-25T19:49:12+00:00November 25th, 2021|Liquor Industry Insights|

The Underage Predicament and liquor shipping, is this the real issue?

First, Happy Thanksgiving to every one out there. I hope you and your family enjoy your Thanksgiving. I am extremely grateful to live in the best country on this planet. I will eat well, reflect on this great country and its […]

Fred Biletnikoff shows the limits to Spirits’ growth

By |2021-11-05T04:41:48+00:00November 5th, 2021|Liquor Industry Insights|

Fred Biletnikoff shows the limits to Spirits’ growth

I remember Fred Biletnikoff as the tough looking Raiders receiver, that you wouldn’t want to meet in a dark alley. For any football fan, Fred’s toughness left an indelible mark on you.

Today, Fred is retired, still looking tough, but instead of making his living […]

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