Beer industry groups show support for 60th Annual Tavern Month

Beer is great because not only is it intertwined into most regular celebrations (St. Patrick’s Day, Cinco de Mayo, Christmas parties, birthday parties, NFL Draft parties, Fridays, etc.) but there are also beer-specific celebrations to take part in throughout the year. And it’s never just a day here or there either. We celebrate for at least a week. Well, the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) and the American Beverage Licensees (ABL) both announced their support for the 60th Annual Tavern Month, celebrated throughout the month of May. Tavern Month is a celebration of the many licensed bars and taverns that provide hundreds of thousands of jobs to hardworking men and women and enrich America’s social culture.

The history of the American tavern dates back to the earliest days of the formation of the American experiment. It was often a tavern that was one of the first buildings erected in a settlement when the British settlers landed. Taverns would continue to serve an important role in building support for the American Revolution, before evolving into the variety of over 300,000 establishments that dot our cities and towns today and keep this very American tradition of community alive.

Bar and tavern owners work together with America’s 3,300 beer distributors in communities across the country to provide responsible service and sales. Beer distributors and tavern owners support server training programs, ID checks and the effective state-based system of alcohol regulation.

“This May, we call on everyone who has ever visited their local bar or tavern – be it as a place of employment or to simply join friends and family over a beverage – to celebrate the places and people who make memories possible,” said John Bodnovich, executive director of the American Beverage Licensees. “By supporting other industries and contributing to their local economies, the story of America’s bars and taverns goes beyond just the sale of beer, wine and spirits.  Whether it’s serving up a hot meal or sponsoring a local sports league, the community impact of bars and taverns is significant and shouldn’t be taken for granted.”

“It’s a great American tradition for adults to gather with friends or colleagues to enjoy a beer in their local bar or tavern,” said Craig Purser, president of the NBWA.  “America’s licensed beer distributors are proud to work hand-in-hand with licensed retailers, like bars and taverns, to safely provide consumers from coast to coast with an unparalleled choice and variety of beer – more than 13,000 different labels. Beer distributors are excited to partner with bar and tavern owners as part of a 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.”

Beer distributors and taverns are key components of the state-based system for alcohol control in the United States, which works to ensure that only consumers of legal drinking age receive fresh, safe beer and are served in moderation.

“Just like beer distributors, America’s taverns and bars are local businesses providing tens of thousands of jobs in every state across the country,” said John Bodnovich, Executive Director of American Beverage Licensees, the nation’s largest bar and tavern trade association. “Licensed beverage retailers are proud to work with NBWA and its members to highlight the cultural and economic importance of our industry by celebrating Tavern Month this May.”