Thursday, January 14, 2021 www.nabca.org

• VA: Virginia governor unveils proposal to begin legal marijuana sales in 2023 • MA: Craft brewers get flexibility with new law TODAY’S • United Kingdom: WSTA Launches Low and No Labelling Guidance HIGHLIGHTS • Weird health risks of drinking alcohol • How Breweries Are Preparing for 2021 Beer Festivals • DISCUS Announces 2021-2022 Craft Advisory Council

Currently, licensed establishments are strictly NABCA NEWS prohibited from allowing in-person dining and gatherings, as defined by the Michigan Department of Visit NABCA’s COVID-19 Resource page for updates Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Gatherings and regarding policy changes that effect on- and off- Face Mask Order. premise retail operations. “Our bar and restaurant owners have made incredible TTB NEWS sacrifices over the past 10 months to keep their communities safe and slow the spread of COVID-19. I You can now find all of TTB’s COVID-19-related want to thank those who have enacted strict safety news and guidance in a single location. protocols and worked around the clock to save lives,” Whitmer said. “My administration has been working hard to secure crucial support for these businesses. I ADDITIONAL LINKS was proud to, among other things, negotiate with the legislature to sign a bipartisan supplemental budget that Visit NABCA’s website for information on: provides support for small business owners like these. I • Control State Agency Information will keep working around the clock on their behalf.” • Doing Business in Control States Whitmer’s financial relief efforts for bar and restaurant • NABCA News owners began last April when she authorized a spirits buyback program for on-premises liquor licensees whose businesses were affected by the health crisis. CONTROL STATE NEWS More than $3.3 million in financial relief went to 670 bar and restaurant owners across the state — a financial MI: Governor, AG commend bars, restaurants lifeline averaging $5,000 for hard-hit hospitality Say 32 of 8,500 establishments’ liquor licenses suspended businesses. She recently announced a second liquor due to COVID-19 violations buyback that is in the works. In June 2020, the governor Times (myfenton.com) signed legislation allowing bars and restaurants to sell January 13, 2021 cocktails and alcoholic drinks to-go for the first time in Michigan and expanded bars’ seating capacity in On Monday, Jan. 11, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, outdoor social districts. In July 2020, Whitmer increased Attorney General Dana Nessel and other state the discount on spirits purchased by on-premises officials issued statements highly commending bar licensees from the Michigan Liquor Control Commission and restaurant owners for their ongoing compliance (MLCC) from 17 percent to 23 percent for 12 months. with the state’s emergency health orders due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel also praised the state’s bar and restaurant owners. “I applaud every business owner in Michigan who has stepped up, braced 2

themselves for the storm, and complied with “Marijuana has historically been based in Michigan’s public health emergency orders,” Nessel discrimination and the impact of criminalization laws said. “This pandemic has brought them to their have disproportionately harmed minorities in low knees, but the vast majority of them have worked income communities as a result,” said Sen. Louise Lucas, hard to stay open during the worst of times. Their D-Portsmouth, who is carrying the legislation in the creativity, innovation and sheer fortitude have set Senate with Sen. Adam Ebbin, D-Alexandria. “We’re the gold standard for the rest of us.” focused on undoing those harms.” The MLCC Chair Pat Gagliardi said that the vast Timeline majority of liquor licensees are compliant with When Northam announced his support for legalization, emergency public health orders and have taken the he said he did not plan to rush the process, citing the high road, setting high standards for the industry. experience of regulators in other states. True to his Of the approximately 8,500 on-premises liquor word, his legislation lays out a two-year timetable in licensees in the state, the MLCC has suspended the which officials would begin drafting regulations and liquor issuing licenses to marijuana businesses before retail sales would begin in 2023. licenses of a total of 32 establishments for violations due to the COVID-19 pandemic since last September. Until then, most of the state’s current laws governing The licensees’ multiple violations of the current the drug would remain in place and the drug, while MDHHS order include allowing non-residential, in- currently decriminalized, would remain illegal and person gatherings; providing in-person dining; subject to existing criminal and civil penalties. failure to require face coverings for staff and The decision is likely to disappoint criminal justice patrons; and failure to prohibit patrons from advocates, who have argued for an immediate end to congregating. During “normal times,” the use of the state’s prohibition, enforcement of which has Emergency Suspensions by the MLCC is generally disproportionately targeted Black Virginians. infrequent. Over the last seven years, not including the recent Emergency Suspension Orders, there Likewise, operators of Virginia’s tightly-controlled have been approximately 15 such notated medical cannabis dispensaries, have been lobbying for suspensions, due to various causes. permission to begin recreational sales this year to serve as a stop gap while regulators establish rules and begin a broader licensing process. VA: Virginia governor unveils proposal to begin However, legislative analysts who studied the issue last legal marijuana sales in 2023 year recommended against that approach, arguing early The Progressive Pulse access to the retail market would give medical By Ned Oliver producers an unfair competitive advantage and, in any January 13, 2021 case, would be unlikely to meet anticipated demand for Retail sales of recreational marijuana would begin in the drug. Virginia on Jan. 1, 2023, under legislation authored Taxes and oversight by Gov. Ralph Northam’s administration, which in addition to ending the state’s prohibition on the drug Northam proposes handing regulatory control of the would expunge many past criminal convictions and new marketplace to the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage create a state fund to help people arrested for Control Authority, which would be renamed the Virginia marijuana crimes start legal businesses. Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Control Authority. Northam came out in favor of legalization late last But unlike the state’s monopoly on the sales of liquor, in year and his bill, first made public Wednesday, which sales are restricted to state-run retail stores, the represents a starting point for what’s expected to be authority’s role in the marijuana industry would be a long debate during the legislative session that limited to developing and enforcing regulations and begins this week. licensing producers, processers and retailers.

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Northam proposed a 21 percent tax rate on retail the family member of someone who was, people who sales, which, combined with the existing state sales have lived for at least three years in a place the state tax and optional three-percent local tax would bring determines was disproportionately policed for the total potential levy to nearly 30 percent, which marijuana crimes or is determined to be economically the state’s Joint Legislative and Audit Review depressed. Alternatively, businesses that aren’t owned Commission (JLARC) estimates would bring in $37 by people who meet that criteria could still be eligible if million in new tax revenue the first-year sales are they employ at least 10 full time employees who do. legalized, rising to an estimated $183 million in year The proposed qualifications were recommended by five. JLARC as an alternative to race-based criteria, which the JLARC found 30 percent is on the high-end of tax commission said is generally only allowed by courts in rates assessed in other legal states, comparable to instances where there is already a documented history Colorado and Illinois but still less than the 36 percent of race-based exclusion. and 47 percent charged in California and Social equity licensees would be given a six-month head Washington, respectively. start to apply for licenses to operate marijuana The revenue would be divided four ways, with 40 businesses as well as technical support from the state percent going to pre-K programs for low-income and, potentially, lower application fees. families, 30 percent going to social equity programs, The legislation also proposes offering state-financed, 25 percent going to substance abuse prevention and low-interest business loans to help applicants start their treatment programs and five percent going to public businesses — an effort to address the difficulty of raising health programs. capital in an industry where most banks are still either The decision to charge the state’s alcohol control unable or unwilling to issue loans. authority with overseeing the new marketplace was The loan program would be financed by a new Cannabis not a given. JLARC said the upside of such an Equity Reinvestment Fund, to which Northam proposes approach is faster implementation of new dedicating 30 percent of new tax revenue from regulations with a lower operating costs. The marijuana sales. commission said the downside is that creating a new, dedicated state agency would have more flexibility The new fund would be controlled by a new board, the and a greater focus on equity programs lawmakers Cannabis Equity Reinvestment Board, which would have emphasized as they pursue legalization. more broadly be tasked with financing initiatives aimed at “making whole again families and communities The liquor authority would be advised by a new historically and disproportionately targeted and Cannabis Control Advisory Board, which would be affected by drug enforcement.” The proposed tasked with making recommendations as regulations legislation specifically references scholarships, grants are developed governing cultivation, security, quality and contributions to the Virginia Indigent Defense testing, advertising and other restrictions and rules. Commission, which oversees legal representation of Equity poor criminal defendants. Northam proposes an array of equity programs The Virginia Legislative Black Caucus, which endorsed aimed at making sure Black residents, who bore the the legislation Wednesday morning, called the brunt of criminal enforcement under prohibition but provisions essential. have struggled to gain a foothold in other states’ “I think Virginia has an opportunity to make sure that legal marketplaces, have an opportunity to profit African Americans — Blacks in the commonwealth — from the drug’s legalization in Virginia. get their fair share,” said the caucus’ leader, Del. Lamont “It’s important that people who have been damaged Bagby, D-Henrico. “That is our focus.” by the war on marijuana not be denied opportunity,” Northam proposes a multi-pronged approach to said Ebbin, the bill’s co-patron in the Senate. addressing old marijuana convictions. The legislation would grant social equity licenses for All past misdemeanor marijuana charges and businesses that are owned by people who were convictions would be automatically expunged by July 1, arrested or convicted of a marijuana offense or are 4

2022, sealing the vast majority of criminal records People caught with five pounds or more would face related to the drugs. The legislation includes the felony charges punishable by between one and five caveat that all fines, court fees and restitution years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine. related to the charges must paid before they are The punishment for a first-time charge of possession cleared. with intent to distribute would drop to a class 2 For more serious convictions, such as possession of misdemeanor. large amounts or distribution, the legislation would People under 21 caught with the drug would face a $250 allow a person to individually petition a judge to have civil penalty. Juveniles would face a maximum $200 fine. their records expunged in light of the drug’s However, the legislation would allow judges to offer legalization. alternative sentencing programs that include drug And people currently serving jail or prison sentences treatment or education. related to marijuana charges would be entitled to The legislation aims to address driving while under the have their sentences reconsidered by a judge as long influence of marijuana — which, unlike alcohol, can’t be as they were not convicted of possessing more than reliably proved with a breath or blood test — by five pounds of the drug, convicted of a third felony allowing a judge to infer guilt if there is an open offense or convicted of distributing the drug to container of marijuana in the passenger area and the minors. accused appeared through conduct, speech and “We’re going to have a multi-billion industry that appearance to be intoxicated. (Last year lawmakers we’re about to hopefully pass, so we want the folks banned searches based on a police officer detecting the in our communities that have been harmed and odor of marijuana). penalized by that not to still be in prison for Local control, referendums something that’s hopefully going to be legal,” said Del. Don Scott, D-Portsmouth. Northam proposes giving local governments the authority to authorize or ban retail marijuana sales Possession limits, home grows and driving within their borders and set hours of operation. Northam proposes limiting adults to possessing no But the legislation would also give local residents a say, more than one ounce of the drug, which is in line allowing citizens to force a referendum that, if adopted, with the limits set in most other states, according to would open the jurisdiction to marijuana sales and, if JLARC. rejected, end legal sales even if the municipality’s board His legislation would also allow home cultivation, but has already approved them. only four plants per household, and only two of the Local governments and residents would have less plants could be “mature.” The legislation would authority when it comes to manufacturing, processing require the plants not be visible from the street and and other non-public-facing marijuana businesses, “reasonable precautions” to prevent underaged though the siting of such businesses would be subject to access. Northam also proposes requiring each plant local zoning rules. be tagged with the owner’s name, driver’s license number and a notation that it’s being grown for Proposed business locations would be approved as part personal use. of the state’s licensing process, which include an opportunity for local residents and government officials With the drug’s legalization, criminal penalties would to weigh in. remain for unlicensed distribution, albeit with significantly reduced penalties. The legislation proposes some limits on where marijuana businesses can locate, specifically refencing Possessing more than an ounce but less than five locations that would disrupt churches, schools, hospitals pounds would result in a $25 civil fine, the current and playgrounds. In residential neighborhoods, the penalty for people caught with small amounts licensing board could also consider arguments that a marijuana under decriminalization legislation that business would adversely affect real estate values. last passed last year.

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The legislation also sets density limits, preventing recreational licensing before the process opens up to any marijuana business from operating within 1,000 the general public. feet of another. And more broadly, regulators would While the Department of Revenue and state legislature be tasked with determining an appropriate number will likely issue rules and guidance clarifying the of licenses for a given area and respond if the licensing process and the applicable regulations, the number of licenses in a given area becomes ballot measures themselves included some provisions “detrimental to the interest, morals, safety, or relevant to future cannabis business operations. For welfare of the public.” example, all advertising by licensed businesses will be prohibited, including via social media. And while businesses will be allowed to have websites, they will MT: Cannabis Legislation in Key States: Montana Voters Approve Legalizing Marijuana for not be permitted to “actively solicit consumers or out- Recreational Use of-state consumers through the website.” National Law Review Additionally, local governments will have the authority Article by Chris, Joel Wallace, Schiff Hardin LLP under the new law to adopt ordinances or regulations January 13, 2021 applying to any licensed commercial business within their borders, as long as those regulations are not In November 2020, Montana joined Arizona, New “unduly burdensome.” Individual counties will also be Jersey, and South Dakota in legalizing recreational able to prohibit dispensaries within their borders cannabis use. Montana voters approved a pair of through a public vote. Thus, the specific rules and ballot initiatives on November 3, the Marijuana regulations that will apply to prospective dispensaries Legalization Initiative (“Montana I-190”) and the and cultivation centers remain uncertain. Allow for a Legal Age for Marijuana Amendment (“Montana CI-118”), both of which needed to pass New Rules for Possession and Personal Use, and for recreational use to become legal for adults 21 Impact on Employment Policies and older. Under the new regime, a person over the age of 21 is The ballot measures mean that the personal allowed to possess up to one ounce of marijuana, or up recreational possession and use of cannabis became to eight grams of marijuana concentrate and will be legal in Montana starting on January 1, 2021. While allowed to grow up to four marijuana plans for personal the Montana state legislature and Department of use. Revenue are still developing additional rules and However, the measures also include additional regulations regarding commercial licensing for restrictions on the public use of marijuana. For example, dispensaries and cultivation facilities, the ballot there is a ban on smoking or consuming marijuana measures are the first step toward the vast products in public spaces, unless local jurisdictions expansion of the cannabis industry in Montana, designate specific places to do so and a ban on operating which has already had legal medical cannabis use for a vehicle while under the influence of marijuana. It several years. The new laws will present new remains to be seen if the legislature will consider opportunities as well as important new rules for holding establishments and persons potentially businesses to be aware of, including the forthcoming financially liable for injuries that result after they furnish license application process, advertising rules, and marijuana to someone later involved in a driving impact on company drug policies. incident while under the influence. Montana’s law, Retail Establishments, Licensing, and Other which allows such liability for those who furnish alcohol Commercial Rules to individuals later involved in , would need to be amended to extend to those who provide The Montana Department of Revenue has until marijuana. October 1, 2021, to establish licensing rules and regulations and to begin accepting applications for Additionally, the new law still grants employers the right dispensaries and cultivation facilities. Under the to enforce workplace drug policies. Under the state’s anticipated plan, current licensed medical use previous medical marijuana regime, employers were dispensaries will have 12 months to apply for broadly permitted to require drug testing and the law 6 explicitly stated that the legalization of medical employment. As of now, though, by this fall businesses marijuana did not prevent employers from will begin applying to enter the Montana cannabis prohibiting marijuana use, even if it was legally industry. prescribed and used only outside of work. Indeed, that issue previously made its way to the Ninth LICENSE STATE NEWS Circuit Court of Appeals after an employee sued his former employer for terminating him over his legal IL: Illinois Legislature Passes Bill Allowing Alcohol medical marijuana use. The employee used medical Delivery to Homes marijuana, off-duty, to treat a chronic condition, but NBC Chicago was fired when a drug-test revealed THC in his January 13, 2021 system. The court agreed with the employer that the exemption in the Medical Marijuana Act allowed it to The Illinois General Assembly passed a bill Wednesday dismiss the employee and that the provision did not allowing third parties to deliver spirits and wine from present any constitutional concerns. stores to customers, with the legislation heading to Gov. J.B. Pritzker's desk. The new law for recreational use includes the same provision allowing employers to prohibit marijuana House Bill 54 amends the Liquor Control Act of 1934, use. Therefore, employers will continue to be free to providing that retailers can deliver alcoholic liquors to enforce their workplace drug policies. This will the home or other designated location of an Illinois include, presumably, the right to discipline and customer. terminate employees for legal recreational cannabis The legislation provides several distributors, retailers, use, regardless of whether it is done on or off-duty. importers and shippers with permits and licenses to Taxing and Revenue deliver spirits and wine across Illinois. The bill notes that the individual receiving an order containing alcohol The new rules establish a 20 percent tax on sales of must be at least 21 years old or older. recreational marijuana by licensed vendors and specify that 10 percent of that revenue will go into "[The bill] provides that a retailer may use the services the general state fund, with the remainder of a third-party facilitator by means of the Internet or “dedicated to accounts for conservation programs, mobile application to facilitate the sale of alcoholic substance abuse treatment, veterans’ services, liquors to be delivered to the home or other designated health care costs, and localities where marijuana is location of a consumer in this State if specified sold.” conditions are met, including verifying that the individual accepting the delivery is at least 21 years of The proponents and authors of the measures age," the bill reads. estimated that legalization will generate about $48 million annually in tax revenue and licensing fees by The measure now heads to the governor's desk. 2025. Due to the closing of indoor dining during the pandemic, Uncertain Future many Illinois restaurants and bars have been faced with financial challenges, and lobbying groups hope The success of ballot initiatives in Montana and in Wednesday's bill could provide some relief. other states are major victories for legalization activists and present enormous opportunities for Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced Monday that businesses and the already expanding cannabis healthcare regions who meet specific criteria can roll industry. However, in Montana at least, legalization back from Tier 3 coronavirus restrictions beginning still faces an uncertain future. Several state Friday, Jan. 15. legislators have already announced that they are Beginning Friday, the governor says that regions can drafting a bill to repeal the measure, and the begin to move forward to Tier 2 mitigations if they Montana Department of Revenue’s forthcoming adhere to three different statistical criteria beginning rules for licensing will likely face extensive challenges later this week. However, it is not clear when regions from opposition group. Fewer people may buy will be allowed to begin dining indoors or increasing cannabis when they understand the risk to their outdoor capacity. 7

“It’s good for the people who are in AirBnB or who are TX: Governor Abbott pushes to make alcohol-to-go just kinda stopping by for the night or week. It’s really permanent good for the people who are not yet comfortable Making Alcohol To-Go permanent in Texas coming to a bar because of the pandemic,” Daily explained. KXXV By Abby Loring The beverage must be sold alongside food and must be January 13, 2021 sealed with no holes or any opening that could provide a way to consume the beverage with the lid intact. On Tuesday to kick off the start of the 87th Legislative Session, Governor Greg Abbott Barnett’s mixed cocktail kit has been a huge success, announced to Texas legislators his plans to keep the and 1424 Bistro provides many different mixed drinks or sale of to-go alcoholic beverages. wine-to-go to add on to your cozy meal at home. After a tough year for small businesses, many local restaurants and bars are hopeful about this MA: Craft brewers get flexibility with new law possibility. Salem News The governor signed a waiver in March allowing By Christian M. Wade, Statehouse Reporter restaurants and some bars to sell to-go alcoholic January 14, 2021 beverages as long as food was included. The waiver BOSTON — Craft brewers will have more flexibility to ended in May 2020 but was extended in June with switch distributors under a bill signed by Gov. Charlie the addition of to-go mixed drinks as long as Baker, effectively ending a decade-long battle. businesses abided by the state's guidelines. Brewers who produce under 250,000 barrels of beer a “It’s been really successful. I think we really started year are now allowed to end their relationship with their it when things... when everything was shut down, distributor with 30 days notice and without having to and it picked up pace, and now we’re going to show cause. The law, which takes effect immediately, continue,” said Taylor Daily, marketing director of allows distributors to recoup some of the losses from Barnett's Public House. those severed relationships. “I did notice that our alcoholic beverages, mixed Craft brewers welcomed the governor's approval of the beverages, liquor sales have gone up during the settlement, which caps a 10-year fight over distribution pandemic, because wine was always our top seller. rights. So people are drinking more alcoholic beverages,” said Kelly Galanis, co-owner of 1424 Bistro. "This levels the playing field," said Steve Sanderson, founder and co-owner of Riverwalk Brewing Company The waiver came about to help allow bars and in Newburyport. "It puts brewers and wholesalers in the restaurants bring in revenue during the shut downs same boat, just like any other business relationship." and limited capacity restrictions, as well as other negative economic impacts brought on by the Sanderson credits beer wholesalers, who initially fought coronavirus. the proposal, for negotiating the deal. “Our sales are greatly down. We are struggling like "This law reflects an agreement reached with the so many other restaurants. We really need people to Massachusetts Brewers Guild and will facilitate further remember us,” said Galanis. growth and promote the health of the beer industry," Bill Kelley, president of the Beer Distributors of “We’re definitely in this together. The only reason Massachusetts, said in a statement. "We are extremely we are still here is because of our Waco community,” grateful to the leadership of the Massachusetts Brewers said Daily. Guild and everyone involved in the persistent effort to Not every business can sell to-go alcoholic reach this agreement." beverages. In order to qualify for alcohol delivery The state’s franchise law was intended to protect and pickup, the business must hold a mixed beverage dozens of distributors who were grappling for permit as well as operate as a permanent restaurant. a piece of the industry, which then served Budweiser, 8

Coors and other major brands. But as beer selections INTERNATIONAL NEWS have grown, the opposite has happened among wholesalers, who’ve consolidated into a dozen United Kingdom: WSTA Launches Low and No Alcohol regional outlets. Labelling Guidance "And there were some serious vested interests Drinks Retailing News involved in keeping the status quo in place," By Sonya Hook Sanderson said. January 14, 2021 Last year, the sides reached an agreement to give The Wine and Spirit Trade Association has produced small brewers more flexibility and backed a proposal new guidance around the labelling of low and no alcohol to establish what they say is a fairer process of drinks, as a record number of Brits explore low and no resolving disputes. products. The coronavirus outbreak delayed legislative This guidance has been produced in partnership with approval of the agreement, and lawmakers waited the WTSA’s Primary Authority Trading Standards until the end of the legislative session to sign off on Partners, and at the behest of both retailers and it. producers. Massachusetts is the birthplace of the craft-beer The popularity of the low and no alcohol category is at revolution and now boasts more than 200 an all-time high, and January traditionally sees efforts by microbreweries, including local companies such as consumers to cut out or cut down on booze to start the Ipswich Ale, Riverwalk Brewing in Newburyport and year. As a result of this, drinks producers are developing Notch Brewing in Salem. new and innovative techniques to provide consumers with more choice and greater quality. Craft beer purveyors have fought for years for independence from strict provisions of a 50-year-old The latest data from the WSTA Market Report shows law binding them to distribution agreements. that overall alcohol sales are down compared to the same 12-month period last year. Wine and beer sales Under the state’s three-tier alcohol distribution have dipped and overall, spirit sales are flat. Wine, the system, beer funnels from supplier through nation’s most popular drink, has seen a 5% decline in wholesaler to the shelves of package stores. Brewers sales despite the boost in online deliveries. are locked into franchise agreements with wholesalers after six months of doing business. Many new products on the market are produced to closely resemble their alcoholic counterparts - they are Under the previous law, brewers who wanted to closer than ever before - in taste, aroma and sever those distribution relationships were required appearance - to the spirits and spirit drinks they are to give 120 days notice before appealing to the state providing an alternative to. Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission and showing "good cause" for ending the deal. The WSTA’s new guidance aims to establish acceptable legal names, marketing text and general labelling The state doesn’t require brewers to use a requirements for low and no alcohol drinks. wholesaler, but many choose to do so given the challenges of breaking into an already crowded beer This will help ensure clarity and certainty for producers market. that they are labelling and marketing their products in the correct way. Under the new deal, breweries that produce fewer than 250,000 barrels of beer in a year are allowed to It also looks to boost confidence for consumers in the terminate their wholesaler contracts by giving a category, helping them make informed purchasing month's notice and paying "fair market value" for decisions through clear, accurate, and consistent their brand rights. labelling – which had been retailers’ over-riding concern and motivation for asking the WSTA to offer advice that Brewers will be required to buy back the can be applicable UK market-wide. wholesaler's inventory and promotional materials, among other requirements. The new guidance applies to low and no alcohol drinks that are packaged and marketed as a substitute or 9

alternative to spirit drinks and is designed to alcohol and not consider the impact on the taste, complement existing – and any future - Low Alcohol shoppers today are more discerning and expect more Descriptors Guidance produced by the Department from these ‘alternatives’. of Health and Social Care. With this being new territory for many producers, Miles Beale, Chief Executive of the Wine and Spirit retailers and consumers, we welcome the WSTA’s Trade Association said: “There has been a huge proactive approach in giving guidance to the industry on amount of innovation and product development this burgeoning category to help the consumer across the low and no alcohol category in recent understand and navigate it, and also to protect the years. Confusion – for producers and for consumers integrity of the spirits category.” – led to a request of the WSTA to pull together comprehensive advice. Along with our Primary Authority partners, we have produced this new Canada: More action urged on 'fairly outdated' P.E.I. guide to help both producers and consumers. Liquor Control Act Some changes made during pandemic are being welcomed "We know that overall alcohol sales fell during 2020. Many Brits want to start 2021 by reducing the CBC News amount of alcohol they drink, or cutting it out By Kevin Yarr completely, which is why I am delighted to have been January 13, 2021 able to publish this guidance so early in the year. There have been a series of delays, but P.E.I. Liquor "Many of our members are making it easier than Control Commission officials say they remain aware that ever for us to choose a lower-alcohol, or no alcohol changes are needed to modernize the Liquor Control alternative, without compromising on taste or Act. quality. Our new guidance will help producers label Jamie MacLeod, the acting chief executive officer of the and market their products with greater confidence, P.E.I. Liquor Control Commission, was questioned about and will help promote clear, accurate and consistent the act when he appeared before a legislative labelling across the category, boosting consumer committee Tuesday. confidence.” In response to calls from MLAs on the committee to Councillor David Lancaster, lead member for speed the process, MacLeod said in recent years a environment and community safety, at Salford City change in government and change in leadership at the Council said supporting businesses to comply with commission slowed down the process, but updates are the law and promoting best practice is central to the still understood to be necessary. council’s primary authority advisory work with the "I think it is widely known that the Liquor Control Act for WSTA. the province is fairly outdated; much of it was written in “Low and no alcohol drinks are a fast growing 1947," he said. market. It is important that products are legally "We're currently looking at it, have been looking at it," compliant and that they have clear and he added. "COVID has obviously impacted moving it understandable labelling so that customers can along." make the right choices. Our staff were delighted to work with their colleagues in Wales to help the WSTA In recent years, officials have been criticized for going publish this pioneering guide,” he said. after barber shops and kombucha makers as they enforced what they saw to be the letter of the act. Rob Curteis, Group Marketing Director at Quintessential Brands said: “With many consumers The most recent move for a thorough review of the today looking to create a better balance in their lives Liquor Control Act goes back to 2017. and their diets, there’s more interest in products that The pandemic has prompted more support for changes, help them to moderate – be it low & no alcohol, or some of which have already been incorporated. low & no sugar. They’re also wanting to enjoy good quality when they do indulge in a bit of what they When restaurant dining rooms were closed, the fancy though – it’s not enough to simply remove the province moved to allow alcoholic beverage delivery 10

with meals, a change which has since been made conducted on civilians who were noninstitutionalized. permanent. The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans Charlottetown Mayor Philip Brown has come out in recommend that men of limit favour of allowing people to have a drink outside themselves to 2 or fewer drinks per day and women when they are having a picnic, and Darlene Compton, limit intake to 1 or fewer drinks. the minister responsible for the P.E.I. Liquor Control Although teetotalling has its benefits, tippling in Commission, has said that is certainly a possibility. moderation can be healthy, too. Nevertheless, alcohol An internal report generated in 2019 contains 27 can do unexpected things to the body. Here are five recommendations for change. examples. Consultations with the Department of Health and a Sulfite allergies survey of all the province's licensees, companies that Sulfites are a class of preservatives found in alcoholic produce or serve alcohol, were part of producing the drinks, foods, and medications. These compounds can report. cause intolerance in a small minority of people, manifesting as rhinitis and urticaria, as well as wheezing PUBLIC HEALTH NEWS in those with asthma. The most dreaded allergic resulting complication is anaphylaxis, which fortunately Weird health risks of drinking alcohol is a rare outcome in those with sulfite allergies. MDLinx Importantly, sulfite allergy is different from allergy to By Naveed Saleh, MD, MS sulfonamide antibiotics. Additionally, people with January 13, 2021 sulfite allergies need not avoid sulfates and sulfur, which Many physicians are concerned about how much are found in medications such as morphine sulfate and their patients drink, and with good reason, because personal hygiene products, such as soap and shampoo. alcohol is linked to various illnesses and social As for mechanisms of allergy, some people with asthma stressors. Moreover, physicians are humans, too, exhibit a partial deficiency in sulfite oxidase, an enzyme and as such are invested in their own patterns of that breaks down sulfur dioxide. In those with skin alcohol consumption. reactions, allergy may be IgE mediated. We know that heavy drinking causes intoxication but Cancer risks it can have other unexpected effects on the body. Alcohol increases the risk of liver, breast, and bowel According to the Alcohol Research Group, “As a cancer. But, it can also increase the risk of cancer of the practitioner, one way to assess your clients’ drinking throat, mouth, larynx, and esophagus. habits is to have them compare their current consumption level to how much the rest of the Although ethanol on its own is not carcinogenic, the nation is drinking.” body metabolizes it into acetaldehyde which is potentially carcinogenic according to the International In 2018, 5.1% of adults reported that they engaged Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). in heavy drinking in the past year, 15.5% engaged in moderate drinking, 45.7% engaged in light drinking, “Exposure to acetaldehyde has produced nasal tumors and 33.7% did not consume alcohol, according to a in rats and laryngeal tumors in hamsters, and exposure survey conducted by the CDC’s National Center for to malonaldehyde has produced thyroid gland and Health Statistics. pancreatic islet cell tumors in rats,” the Agency wrote. “NIOSH [National Institute for Occupational Safety and Of note, light drinking, according to the survey, is Health] therefore recommends that acetaldehyde and defined as 3 or fewer drinks per week; moderate malonaldehyde be considered potential occupational drinking is defined as 4 to 14 drinks per week for men carcinogens in conformance with the OSHA carcinogen and 4 to 7 drinks for women; and heavy drinking is policy.” more than 14 drinks a week for men and more than 7 drinks a week for women. The survey was

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Absorption next day. Of note, much more dismaying things may transpire, which are never stored in long-term memory. The weird thing about alcohol is that it’s not digested, but rather absorbed straight into the blood by the stomach. The rate of absorption depends on Diarrhea and stomach discomfort are common body weight, body type, and the amount of food occurrences after a night of drinking. According to the already in the stomach, which is why it’s a good idea Mayo Clinic, “Alcohol can irritate and erode your to start drinking only after eating a meal. stomach lining, which makes your stomach more In addition to filling your belly with food, here are vulnerable to digestive juices. Excessive alcohol use is some other recommendations when drinking alcohol more likely to cause acute gastritis.” Similarly, excessive at a bar, wedding, party, restaurant, and so forth: use of pain relievers can also lead to acute gastritis. • Keep track of how much alcohol you are drinking by counting drinks. INDUSTRY NEWS • Distract yourself when drinking by playing pool How Breweries Are Preparing for 2021 Beer Festivals or dancing. Having fun in other ways will limit Porch Drinking alcohol consumption while keeping things light By Mike Zoller and enjoyable. January 13, 2021 • Consider low-alcohol alternatives such as light After a year that saw virtually no in-person beer beers and premixed drinks. festivals, there’s hope that with a vaccine people might • Drink slowly and sip instead of chugging or taking once again be able to congregate and drink together in shots. Put the glass down between sips. Don’t let 2021. But early in the year, people are very cautious friends or others top off your drinks because this with any concrete timelines or plans. makes it harder to track how much you’ve had to “I think this is mostly wait and see,” Founder/Owner of drink, often leading to overconsumption. Alarmist Brewing Gary Gulley said. “If we achieve herd • Avoid eating salty snacks while drinking, such as immunity with vaccinations then I do see some festivals, peanuts, pretzels, or chips, which can make you but we as a brewery are going to be very cautious. And more thirsty. (There’s a reason why barkeeps put I can’t see any taking place until the middle of the out these foods.) summer but who knows.” • Pace yourself and intersperse every second or In 2020 almost all the major festivals were canceled – third with a nonalcoholic spacer. Dark Lord Day, FoBAB, Great American Beer Fest, and Don’t feel pressured to drink more and make Beer Under Glass just to name a few. Events went virtual sure to quench your thirst with a nonalcoholic and had to adapt quickly. 3 Floyds released Dark Lord drink before imbibing. with an online lottery and curbside pick-up while FoBAB did a FoBAB-at-home promotion that sold six-packs of Blackouts barrel-aged beer. Few things are scarier than blacking out while “We were really pleased with the success of virtual drinking. Waking up the next day with no memory of FoBAB,” Danielle D’Alessandro, Executive Director for what occurred the night before is a recipe for the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild said. disaster. The Guild sold just under 900 six-packs that contained a Alcohol doesn’t make you forget what happened the random variety of barrel-aged beer from the 170 night before. Instead, it stops your brain from breweries from around the country that participated. making new memories while drunk. Although short- FoBAB also did their awards virtually, just like GABF. term memory works while drinking, these memories aren’t stored for the long-term. As a pretty As for 2021 events, everyone is in a wait-and-see mode. innocuous example, someone who is drunk may “I think everyone – both in this industry and beyond – remember playing darts with a friend on the night of has become somewhat accustomed to taking things drinking, but not have access to this memory the day-by-day because we’re really not sure what the 12

future holds,” Ravinia Brewing Company’s Head of “We’re not going to push things,” D’Alessandro said. Sales and Marketing Stephanie Kushnir said. “I can’t “The Guild will not be the first people to host an event express how much we miss sharing our craft with the in 2021. We’re going to look to the governor’s office and beer lovers of Chicagoland, but we know we can only health experts to really determine when it’s safe for do that when it is clear that we can do so in a safe people to gather again.” and healthy way for everyone involved.” Pallen echoed the sentiments that there’s no need to But planning for events starts early, and even though rush into festivals. there is no certain timeframe for when things might “There is going to be a first fest that everyone will be be safe to have festivals, some breweries are making excited and eager to go to,” he said. But we have to go plans for festivals while others have already about it in the right way. If it’s not a safe practice to do scrapped theirs for the year. in our tasting room, then it’s not safe to do at a beer Mikerphone’s Smells Like A Beer Fest, which has fest. The point of our fest is to expose our community of been one of the most coveted tickets over the last drinkers to breweries they don’t normally have access few years, will not happen in 2021. to. So if they can’t converse and talk to the brewers, what do they gain? We want groups to gather and hug “We are not planning Smells Like A Beer Fest for and shake hands safely, and fully enjoy the community 2021,” Mikerphone Brewing owner Mike Pallen said. experience that a beer fest offers. “An event to that caliber requires planning to start way in advance, and until we are given the green Precautions Once Festivals Happen light and are 100% sure that we can safely hold that Once festivals are able to be held again, they might look event, we will not be setting a date. We do hope to a little bit different than what people are used to. eventually bring SLABF back in some format.” While the green light might be given to congregate, There’s little expectation that any festivals, even in a brewers and organizers know that people might be a best-case scenario, would be able to be held until little wary of venturing to an event for the first time. late summer or fall at the earliest. “I believe the first types of festivals that will even be The Brewers Association, which puts on Great considered to return are of course going to be those that American Beer Festival, announced Tuesday that the can be held outdoors,” Kushnir said. “I do see social awards for GABF would take place during the Craft distancing and masks still being a factor for safety Brewers Conference in September. That conference whether we’re indoors or outdoors. We’re more than which was slated for March in San Diego was moved happy to adhere to any precautions and regulations that later in the year along with the location. As for the are put in place that keep our customers and staff safe, actual GABF festival, nothing has been firmly but allow us to enjoy and share our beers with the decided, but if it does happen, it would be October community.” 7-9 as of now. The role masks will play at festivals is tough to figure out Illinois Craft Beer Week, which usually holds a lot of right now. While organizers think they will be used in-person events in May, was canceled last year and throughout the year, how that will work with festivals is will not happen this year. They are hoping to do the the big issue. Passport at Home program again which they did last year so that people could support local breweries “That component will be something we have to consider with curbside pick-up. as well,” D’Alessandro said. “We take the health and safety of not just consumers but our brewers, their D’Alessandro would like to have Beer Under Glass employees, and our vendors very seriously. Being at a (BUG) if it’s safe. The Guild is currently in beer festival does involve eating and drinking and you conversations with the Garfield Park Conservatory, can’t wear a mask while doing that.” the location for BUG each year, to see what might be possible. But would masks at a festival even work? Gulley doesn’t think so. FoBAB will happen in some capacity in November. Whether that’s virtual awards with the six-packs “I don’t know if any precautions would work at a beer again or an in-person still remains to be seen. festival, personally,” he said. “Can’t have a mask on to 13

drink beer and after the first hour all caution would president of the Bourbon Women Association, she said. be thrown to the wind.” Kimberl began in her new role on Wednesday, replacing Local Participation Sara Barnes, who is taking on a new role with the Kentucky Distiller’s Association, where she will serve as If festivals do take place in 2021 expect the lineup of the director of industry responsibility and sustainability. brewers to be mostly local or within a fairly short travel radius. Kimberl has been active with Bourbon Women for a few years, she said, attending their annual SIP-osium Festivals like FoBAB and SLABF welcome breweries weekend conference, participating in virtual panel from all over the country and while traveling has events and working with Bourbon Women founders been strongly discouraged during the pandemic, Peggy Noe Stevens and Susan Reigler on content for even when restrictions are relaxed breweries might American Whiskey Magazine. not be up for traveling right away. In addition to being a content editor with American “I don’t think we would anticipate the same Whiskey Magazine, Kimberl contributes her coverage on participation from out-of-state brewers,” the world of bourbon to Whisky Magazine, The Alcohol D’Alessandro said. “The beginning of the year is Professor and Bourbonveach.com, to name a few. traditionally slower for breweries and restaurants. They have to be very specific and intentional about “I got a call from them (Stevens and Reigler) in how they’re going to run their business and interact December that they wanted to discuss a job opening with the consumer and build their brand. That’s that they thought would be perfect for me, so I sat down going to take a hyper-local focus. I don’t think we’ll with them – masks up of course – and they explained to see the same level of participation this year and me why they thought I would be a good choice for the maybe even a few years going forward.” organization and (they) asked me to give it some serious consideration,” Kimberl said in an interview. “And I With less travel, festivals would most likely have a accepted.” smaller roster of breweries, but that might not be a bad thing. A smaller lineup would allow people to Kimberl got her start in the bourbon world after a experience more beers from specific breweries chance encounter with Four Roses’ then-Master Distiller instead of being stretched too thin. Jim Rutledge, about 10 years ago when she was working a part time job at a local liquor store. “We’ve always enjoyed some of the smaller local events with just a few hundred people – not Back then, she said master distillers from different thousands and lines,” Ravinia Brewing’s Director of spirits companies would come and sit in the liquor store Operations Catherine Price said. “You have a real to hold informal tastings with customers and sign opportunity to communicate with guests about your bottles. Kimberl said this is how she ended up getting to product and brand with gatherings of this size.” know a lot of the master distillers in the area. It will be interesting to see what happens once But it looked like she was going to miss Rutledge this restrictions allow for festivals. As everything has time, as each attempt to introduce herself was met with been during the pandemic, no one quite knows what a growing line at her cash register as it was Derby week. to expect and are taking things one day at a time. Finally, she went on break just as Rutledge was packing up his things to leave and she was surprised when he greeted her with two cups and a bottle of Four Roses. American Whiskey Magazine editor selected as new president of Bourbon Women “He said, ‘You didn’t get to do my tasting,’ and he actually sat down with me for about 20 minutes and Louisville Business First taught me the proper bourbon tasting technique (and) By Sarah Shadburne, Reporter a little bit of the history of Four Roses,” Kimberl said. January 13, 2021 “My immediate thought was, ‘Who does this?’ and then Maggie Kimberl, a content editor with American my immediate next thought was, ‘This is amazing, I have Whiskey Magazine, has been selected as the new to tell the world about this bourbon stuff,’ and so I quit my job and I started writing about bourbon.” 14

As president of Bourbon Women, Kimberl said her The Craft Advisory Council was created as a leadership day-to-day work won’t change that much as what council to represent craft distillers’ positions on key she does with American Whiskey Magazine, and her policy issues at the federal, state and local level, as well other job as a director of promotions with as to help guide DISCUS’ craft distiller-focused NowSourcing, aligns pretty well with the work she’ll programming and benefits. Craft Advisory Council be doing for the organization. She said she plans to members are nominated by their peer DISCUS Craft continue being a content editor for American Members, and the Craft Advisory Council votes on who Whiskey Magazine in addition to her new role with will represent them as Chair for a two year term. The Bourbon Women. Chair also represents craft distillers on the DISCUS Board of Directors. Kimberl said in her new role she looks to find ways to support members of the organization amid the DISCUS President and CEO Chris Swonger welcomed the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and empower new Craft Advisory Council members and commented: Bourbon Women’s members to go out in the world “DISCUS is proud to represent a growing membership of and be comfortable expressing their love for spirits producers of all sizes, including America’s fast- bourbon and other spirits. growing craft distillers. More than 2000 craft distillers Bourbon Women additionally celebrates its 10th across the United States provide important anniversary this year, around which Kimberl said contributions to their local economies, tourism, and job she’s excited to begin working on virtual events market, and DISCUS is delighted to welcome these craft around the milestone and grow membership. distiller leaders to the Craft Advisory Council.” She said in 2020, the organization added more than The Craft Advisory Council has elected Philip McDaniel, 200 members and is poised for pretty significant CEO and Co-Founder of St. Augustine Distillery, as Chair growth going forward. and Rob Cassell, President of New Liberty, as Vice Chair. “As far as events go, I’m really excited about working Incoming Craft Advisory Council Chair Philip McDaniel with the Bourbon Women and celebrating 10 years commented: of fun and fellowship with women based around “St. Augustine Distillery is proud to be locally-owned Kentucky’s native spirit,” Kimberl said. “I just want and community-founded. We are committed to everybody to know how much I appreciate all the innovation and making where we live better for future help that I’ve received along the way, getting to this generations. We are honoured to share what we’ve point. I’m really excited to be a part of such a great learned with the Craft Advisory Council and the broader organization and especially during such a banner DISCUS membership as we work together to shape the year.” future of American distilling.” DAILY NEWS The full 2021-2022 Craft Advisory Council membership follows DISCUS Announces 2021-2022 Craft Advisory • Philip McDaniel, Chair – St. Augustine Distillery (FL) Council • Robert Cassell, Vice Chair – New Liberty Distillery News Release (PA) DISCUS January 13, 2021 • Scott Harris – Catoctin Creek (VA) DISTILLED SPIRITS COUNCIL OF THE UNITED STATES • Jeff Quint – Cedar Ridge Distillery (IA) ANNOUNCES 2021-2022 CRAFT ADVISORY COUNCIL • Tom Lix – Cleveland Whiskey (OH) Washington D.C. – The Distilled Spirits Council of the • Brian Facquet – Do Good Spirits (NY) United States (DISCUS), America’s leading advocate for the distilled spirits industry, today announced • Michael Paluzzi – Falls Church Distillers (VA) new appointments to the Craft Advisory Council for • Steve Gould – Golden Moon Distillery (CO) the term 2021-2022. • Adam Hirsch – Goza Tequila (GA) 15

• Ted Huber – Huber’s Starlight Distillery (IN) that alcohol suppresses the body’s immune system and may slow or diminish the development of antibodies • Amir Peay – James E Pepper (KY) that are intended to recognize and fight the virus. • Jaime Windon – Lyon Rum (MD) Researchers have previously examined how alcohol use • Tom Potter – NY Distilling Co. (NY) and abuse affects the immune response. Long-term and • Alex Castle – Old Dominick (TN) heavier consumption of alcohol lead to more adverse health effects in general. Other studies indicate certain • Phil Brandon – Rock Town Distillery (AR) types of alcohol in moderation may have benefits or • Gareth Moore – Virginia Distillery Co. (VA) have no effect at all. The implication would be that heavier and more frequent users of alcohol should • Randy Carlson – Vermont Spirits (VT) dramatically reduce alcohol consumption prior to and • Lisa Cloutier – Whistling Andy Distillery (MT) after getting a COVID vaccine in order to give their immune systems the best chance of producing • Kate Jerkens – Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey antibodies. There is however, no consensus that (TN) moderate alcohol use will negatively impact the For more information on DISCUS’ Craft Distiller effectiveness of a COVID vaccine. Remember, moderate Membership, please visit Here. use of alcohol is considered having up to 1 drink per day for women and up to 2 drinks per day for men. It is up to you to choose to extend “Dry January” into February Do You Need To Extend Your “Dry January”? or later depending on when you can get a COVID JDSupra vaccine. Written by Womble Bond Dickinson Sources: January 13, 2021 • https://nypost.com/2021/01/04/alcohol-can- Was one of your New Year’s resolutions to reduce-effectiveness-of-COVID-vaccine-experts/ participate in “Dry January”? Have you been able to • https://metro.co.uk/2021/01/03/people-receiving- refrain from drinking since January 1? Are you COVID-vaccines-should-avoid-alcohol-13841592/ considering getting the COVID vaccine? • https://nypost.com/2020/12/09/no-drinking-for- two-months-after-COVID-19-vaccine-russia-says/ Health authorities around the world are advising • https://www.newscientist.com/article/2262654- people that plan on getting a COVID vaccine to should-you-avoid-alcohol-when-getting-a- abstain from drinking prior to and/or after getting coronavirus-vaccine/ the vaccine. United Kingdom health authorities • https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/loc advise abstaining for several days before and after. al/2020/12/11/ok-drink-alcohol-after-COVID- Some Russian health authorities advise not to drink vaccine/3896100001/ for up to two months after getting the vaccine • https://www.healthline.com/health-news/can- because of the time estimated for the Russian alcohol-hurt-your-immune-system-during-COVID- vaccine to develop an effective response. 19-outbreak#Drinking-impairs-immune-cells-in-key- Interestingly, the Rhode Island Health Department organs specifically refuted the legitimacy of this Russian • https://health.clevelandclinic.org/6-surprising-ways- health advice. alcohol-affects-health-not-just-liver/

In the United Kingdom, a recent experiment by an emergency medicine doctor claimed that three Should Alcohol Brands Run Dry January Ads This Year? glasses of Prosecco reduced by half the number of One in seven adults is participating in Dry January this year. white blood cells including lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cells that fight Marketing Brew infections. There are two main types of lymphocytes: By Phoebe Ban B-cells and T-cells. These cells are responsible for January 13, 2021 determining the immune response to viruses or In the Covid-19 era, even an orange juice brand was other foreign substances in the body. The worry is tempted to make a commercial about getting drunk—so 16

it’s somewhat surprising that Dry January ads are The auto safety agency said it was “deeply concerned once again everywhere. about the trends in highway safety evident in the preliminary 2020 data.” • With 61% of adults over 21 in the US purchasing more alcohol since the pandemic hit, one might In an open letter to drivers on Wednesday, NHTSA urged expect alcohol brands to skip the Dry January ads action to address the “terrible trend.” this year. The agency’s letter said “fewer Americans drove but • But one in seven adults is participating in Dry those who did took more risks and had more fatal January this year, up from last year’s numbers, crashes. ... It’s irresponsible and illegal to drive under according to research cited by Forbes. the influence of drugs or alcohol, which not only puts your life at risk but the lives of others.” For a brand like O’Doul’s that specializes in non- alcoholic beer, there’s no reason not to dive Some experts say that as U.S. roads became less headfirst into advertising around this newfound crowded, some motorists engaged in more unsafe target audience—it partnered with Match to behavior, including those who perceived police were normalize dating without drinking this January. less likely to issue tickets because of COVID-19 and data suggests a higher number of serious crashes last year But for a brand like Heineken, which recently involved drug or alcohol use than previously. launched a spot advertising its non-alcoholic beer in partnership with ABC’s The Bachelor, you have to NHTSA said in October a study of early crash data after wonder which target audience it’s better off the pandemic lockdowns found that “drivers who serving—the 61% or the one in seven? remained on the roads engaged in more risky behavior, including speeding, failing to wear seat belts, and driving My hot take: Alcohol labels promoting might under the influence of drugs or alcohol.” actually earn points with drinkers and non-drinkers alike, especially after sobriety advocates publicly NHTSA said on Wednesday that fatalities fell by 19% in asked us to chill with the messaging in April and 2.7% in May, but then jumped 16% in June and response to Tropicana’s controversial rose by 13% or more in each of the next three months. “TakeAMimoment” campaign.

This email and any files transmitted with it are intended solely for the use of NABCA members, free-of-charge. If you do not wish to U.S. traffic deaths skyrocket after coronavirus receive this daily service, please respond with “UNSUBSCRIBE” in the lockdowns expire Subject line. In addition, if there is another individual within your company who should also be receiving this service, please forward Reuters their name, title, employer, and email address to By David Shepardson [email protected]. Thank you for your time and attention January 13, 2021 as we continue to work to improve upon the services and benefits that we provide to our members. Please note that any views or WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. traffic deaths jumped opinions presented in this email are solely those of the author(s) and dramatically after coronavirus lockdowns ended in do not necessarily represent those of the National Alcohol Beverage 2020, rising 13.1% in the three months ending Sept. Control Association. 30 to the highest rate since 2005 despite a decline in driving, auto safety regulators said on Wednesday. In total, 11,260 people died on U.S. roads in the third quarter of 2020, up from 9,953 in the same three- month period in 2019, according to preliminary data released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The fatality rate jumped to 1.48 deaths per 100 million miles traveled as vehicle miles traveled declined 14.5% from 2019 levels in the first nine months of the year.