ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Throughout May, the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) will recognize the 64th Annual Tavern Month, a celebration of the many licensed bars and taverns that help fuel excitement in the beer industry and enrich America’s social culture.
As fellow Main Street businesses, independent bar and tavern owners partner with America’s more than 3,000 independent, licensed beer distributors in communities across the country to contribute to local economies; support hundreds of thousands of jobs; invest in local communities; and deliver an unparalleled selection of beer to millions of customers every day.
By warehousing, marketing and delivering a record number of brands, beer distributors work with independent taverns to better understand markets and tailor beer choices for consumers. Distributors’ sales expertise helps taverns create point-of-sale materials including banners, table tents and beer menus to help drive traffic and create excitement in accounts across the country.
Distributors work closely with bar and tavern owners and their employees to provide responsible service as part of an effective system of state-based alcohol regulation. Independent bar and tavern owners make significant investments in the license that affords them the privilege to sell alcohol. Distributors work with retailers to protect these investments by supporting training programs and ID checks and ensuring responsible business practices. Employees of local beer distribution companies and local taverns live in the communities where they work, and they are invested in keeping those communities safe.
“The important role played by bars and taverns in the history of this nation should not be overlooked,” noted American Beverage Licensees Executive Director John Bodnovich. “Whether it’s serving as a location for like-minded individuals to meet and discuss the pressing issues of the day, the sponsoring of local youth athletics programs, or working with local civic organizations to promote and support community initiatives, on-premise beverage retailers are there – and often times, they are leading the way.”
“It’s a great American tradition to gather with family, friends or colleagues to enjoy a cold beer in their local bar or tavern,” said NBWA President & CEO Craig Purser. “America’s beer distributors are proud to partner with independent bar and tavern owners as part of an open and independent system that helps new brands get to market and offers consumers their choice of the largest international brands and the smallest local brews all on the same menu and bar tap.”
“So when you head out to your local watering hole this May, be sure to raise a glass and offer a toast to a system that works so well for brewers, distributors, retailers – and most importantly – the consumer,” Purser added.
About:
The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) represents the interests of America’s 3,300 licensed, independent beer distributor operations in every state, congressional district and media market across the country. Beer distributors are committed to ensuring alcohol is provided safely and responsibly to consumers of legal drinking age through the three-tier, state-based system of alcohol regulation and distribution. To learn more about America’s beer distributors, visit www.AmericasBeerDistributors.com. For additional updates from NBWA, follow @NBWABeer on Twitter, like NBWA on Facebook, follow NBWA on Instagram and subscribe to NBWA’s YouTube channel.