Discus working to ‘minimise disruption’

Trade body the Distilled Spirits Council of the US (Discus) said it was working closely with regulators to “minimise disruption” to the hospitality sector and offer “economic assistance” for industry workers during the coronavirus pandemic.

Discus said it was working to “minimise disruption” to the US on-trade

A statement released by Discus president and CEO Chris Swonger said the organisation was working with state regulators to seek relief on any manual filings or payments that may be difficult as organisations move to working remotely.

The statement said: “We are working closely with regulators at the federal and state level to develop plans that ensure operational continuity, minimise disruptions and support economic assistance for hospitality industry workers.”

At a federal level, Discus is working with the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) to ensure business continuity and minimise disruptions; it is exploring how to minimise “regulatory hurdles” so the industry can help address the hand sanitiser shortage; and Discus is working with Congress to explore opportunities to support small businesses in the hospitality industry including distilleries and their employees.

The statement continued: “At the state level, we are working with states to explore creative solutions for on- and off-premise establishments, such as easing regulations in states to permit curbside pick-up and home delivery to adults of legal purchase age.

“For example, in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, bars and restaurants will be provided a waiver for carry-out alcohol, effective at 8pm this evening [16 March].

“We are also reaching out to state regulators to seek relief on any manual filings or payments that may be difficult as organisations shift to working remotely.”