Like many of the industries lining up to ask the federal government for a bailout, the distillers trade group says failure to provide financial assistance will cause not only alcoholic beverage makers, but farmers, bottle makers, truckers, warehouse workers, and others to suffer from the cascading effects of the coronavirus outbreak.
But unlike others asking taxpayers to support them, the group is also offering alternatives that would strengthen the industry in the future.
Image source: Getty Images.
Alternatives to cash payments
The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS), which represents spirits makers such as Beam Suntory, Diageo (DEO -0.02%), the Moet Hennessy division of LVMH (LVMUY 0.65%), and Pernod Ricard (PDRDY 0.33%), sent a letter to the offices of the U.S. Senate's majority and minority leaders saying its members may have to close, some perhaps permanently, due to the forced closure of bars and restaurants. It is calling on Congress to financially help both industries.
Yet, perhaps realizing it may be further down on the list of aid recipients than some, DISCUS says if financial relief is not forthcoming, Congress should consider several economic initiatives to benefit adult beverage makers.
DISCUS has called on congress to:
- Suspend the collection of excise taxes for one year
- Make permanent the temporary tax cuts of the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act that expire at the end of this year
- Make available "robust" no- and low interest small business loans
- End the trade war with Europe that resulted in retaliatory taxes being imposed on distilled spirits
- Create a government small business grant program for alcoholic beverages
According to DISCUS, the U.S. distilled spirits industry supports over 1.6 million jobs across the country and in 2018 generated over $190 billion in economic activity.
